We Need to Talk About Kevin

Kevin McCarthy cut a secret deal with anti-democratic Republicans who want to use the debt limit to push a rightwing agenda and shut down the government.

Kevin McCarthy is neither liked, respected, nor feared by members of the House. That is why it took 15 votes and a secret deal with ultra rightwing MAGA Republicans for McCarthy to become speaker. The GOP House agenda for the next two years is revenge investigations, culture wars, and defunding Social Security and Medicare.

Mark Peterson for The New York Times

The Less Talked About Part of Kevin McCarthy’s Deal With Republican Radicals, The New York Times | 1/10/2023

By Jamelle Bouie

McCarthy has pledged to force major budget cuts using the debt ceiling as leverage with the Biden administration.

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Video: How McCarthy put Social Security, Medicare on the line to secure speakership, MSNBC | 1/11/2023

“In bullet number two of the ‘ultra-secret’ PowerPoint that Kevin McCarthy showed his Republican caucus—a few days after cutting a secret deal with the MAGA-wing of the party—is the plan to cut Social Security and Medicare.”

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Related Articles:

• A Guide to the House GOP’s Unhinged Week of Lies, Revenge, and Infighting, Rolling Stone | 1/12/2023

• The Secret Concessions 'Addendum' That House Republicans Can’t Agree Exists, Daily Beast | 1/10/2023

• McCarthy says he’s willing to look at expunging a Trump impeachment, Washington Post | 1/12/2023