It’s Not Clear What Kevin McCarthy Wants

Punchbowl News: “We should point out one very interesting dynamic in this standoff. The White House is befuddled by McCarthy and has no idea what his strategy is or what he’s trying to achieve. The disconnect between the two sides is alarming given the looming default deadline…”

“To state the obvious, McCarthy has little room to maneuver. His four-seat margin is miniscule. Plus, the House Republican Conference has shifted seismically during the last year. He’ll need a deal that can garner close to half of his conference. And to those saying he wants to keep his speakership — yes, that’s true!”

“A deal that doesn’t win conservative support could end McCarthy’s speakership. We’re not saying that it will, but it can.”

“We can’t overstate this: There are plenty of House Republicans who don’t believe that default would be catastrophic.”