What McCarthy Needs to Happen Today

Punchbowl News: “Kevin McCarthy needs movement today. The House will gavel in at noon. If there’s been progress toward a deal, GOP leaders will move for another vote for speaker. If not, they will need to try to adjourn again until later in the day or even Thursday. Remember: Any attempt to adjourn has to be done by unanimous consent or is subject to a vote of the House.”

“It is absolutely imperative that McCarthy shows progress today. We don’t think a deal will come together quickly. But the California Republican has to demonstrate there’s forward momentum in resolving this standoff.”

“How much time has McCarthy bought himself? Twenty opponents is a lot. At a minimum, McCarthy would have to flip 11 Republicans and get the other nine dissenters to vote present to win the speakership. This is a tall task.”

Playbook: “Many Republicans privately tell us that the longer these votes go, the more likely it is that McCarthy will bleed support.”