A Crisis of Kevin McCarthy’s Own Making

<p><i>This episode contains strong language. </i><br />Republicans are set to take control of the House of Representatives for the first time in four years. The transition is shaping up to be chaotic. </p><p>Today, the 118th Congress will gather for the first time in the Capitol, yet there is still a question mark over who is going to be the Republican speaker of the House. </p><p>Why is there still a fight over leadership?</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/catie-edmondson">Catie Edmondson</a>, a congressional correspondent for The New York Times.</p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>Representative Kevin McCarthy is <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/02/us/politics/mccarthy-speaker.html?smid=pc-thedaily">struggling to break through a wall of entrenched opposition</a> to his speakership from hard-right lawmakers even after agreeing to weaken his leadership power.</li><li>Mr. McCarthy has so far faced no viable challenger. But if he is unable to secure the votes, an alternative could quickly emerge. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/02/us/politics/mccarthy-speaker-alternatives.html?smid=pc-thedaily">Here are the Republicans to watch</a>. </li></ul><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily">nytimes.com/thedaily</a>. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. </p>