There's an old adage that "Democrats fall in love, and Republicans fall in line." But since 2015, that script has flipped. Democrats have been remarkably disciplined, remaining steadfastly united behind their new House leadership team and a president seeking reelection at age 80. Meanwhile, not only did Republican voters fall in love with the once-fringe Donald Trump in 2016 (and remain in love with him), but obstinate factions of House Republicans have refused to fall in line behind leadership, culminating in Tuesday's historic motion to vacate.
Kevin McCarthy's affable, laid-back style and aversion to holding grudges is a big part of why he's been such an effective recruiter and political tactician, and why he's been able to unite the Trump and "traditional" wings of the GOP into battle election after election. But it's also been a governing pitfall, causing him to make more concessions to appease members than he could realistically deliver on, including the idea he could legislate effectively with a lowered, one-member threshold for a motion to vacate hanging over his head.
The most surprising votes to evict
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