Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), the chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, on Wednesday morning said he needs answers from Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) before backing him for speaker, but the congressman did not close the door on eventually supporting Ryan.
During an interview on Fox News, Jordan said that the Freedom Caucus would meet with Ryan today to “talk about what we think is the best way.”
When asked if he currently supports Ryan’s leadership bid, Jordan said that the caucus will discuss that later on Wednesday, but indicated that Ryan could make for a good speaker.
“He made some statements in his presentation yesterday I thought were good. He made statements I think we need to have some discussion about. And that is what, this afternoon, we’re going to do with the entire group, sit down, answer questions and we’ll move forward,” Jordan said on Fox News. “I think Paul Ryan is a good spokesman. I think he’s been a great messenger for our party. I think deep down he believes in the principles I believe in deep down, and so many Americans do.”
Jordan said that he wants to make sure Ryan will usher in “changes we think are going to create an environment more conducive to accomplish what we told voters we were going to accomplish.”
“If it just continues to be the same structure and the same business as usual model, that’s not going to work, even with someone as dynamic as Paul Ryan. So we think it’s in everyone’s best interest to have those changes,” Jordan said.
Specifically, Jordan said he wants “rule changes in place to take power away from a few people at the top.”
They’ll support him. Ryan is smart enough to lie to them convincingly. A year from now he’ll be Speaker, and they’ll be howling for his blood. Perfect timing for the General.
I hope Paul is gracious and offers them a nice chablis and an assortment of Wisconsin cheeses…
Or he hits 'em with MIB memory eraser…and strongly suggest they spend more time with their families.
Jordan: “Ever heard the term ‘Bitch Slapped’ Paul?..or ‘Limp Boehner’?”
Jordan said that he wants to make sure Ryan will usher in "changes we think are going to create an environment more conducive to accomplish what we told voters we were going to accomplish."