Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) repeatedly complimented Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) Sunday and said that he would make a “wonderful” House speaker.
Chaffetz, who announced last week that he would run to replace House speaker John Boehner (R-OH), has said that he wouldn’t run for the post if Ryan chose to.
Ryan, despite endorsements from some GOPers, has said he would not run for the position.
Chaffetz said on ABC’s “This Week” that he had not talked to Ryan.
“I think he checks every box. He’s got the great experience. He’s a visionary. He understands the institution,” Chaffetz said. “He’s a great spokesperson”
“One of the things that I think people love is that he puts his family first,” he continued. “He’s got young kids. He’ll have to make that decision. But I think he would be a wonderful speaker, just like I thought he would be a great vice president or president.”
Ryan is just smart enough to say no to that thankless job.
I do not envy Paul Ryan this weekend. This is one of those very rare cases where what is best for him politically, what is best for the GOP, and what is best for the country as a whole lines up equally. He shouldn’t take the position. But if he doesn’t his current colleagues are in for a world of hurt in the near term, while ensuring their long-term political success. Some will blame him for the pain. However, the GOP desperately needs to cut the Freedumb caucus off at the knees, or they will never get another conservative idea passed ever again, so they need to make a deal with Dems in the House for a bipartisan speaker.
So by no logical argument would he take the job of speaker. But the emotional argument, to help out his friends, might win out.
Chaffetz: I would be a wonderful speaker, but I’d rather railroad someone else into the job because the only language I can speak is to fuck things up and then wail about it like a ginormous baby.
One theory going around is that Boner blindsided McCarthy by announcing his resignation and not talking it over with him in order for McCarthy to round up his support. But even if that had happened McCarthy is still a clueless unaccomplished pol who can’t lead a body that simply won’t be lead. So Paulie or Chaffetz, it doesn’t matter. They’ll all get same disdainful treatment Boner got, so he might as well stay until someone in that body grows a brain and grows cojones as well.
Chaffetz really doesn’t want it either. He knew he had no chance against McCarthy. Now that there isn’t a frontrunner,Chaffetz is sweating