logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2023
34m 30s

Speaker McCarthy. But at What Cost?

The New York Times
About this episode

Representative Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become speaker of the House turned into a rolling disaster last week, played out over five long days and 15 rounds of voting. 

Today, the inside story of how it went so wrong — and what he was forced to give up in order to finally win.

Guest: Catie Edmondson, a congressional correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

Up next
Yesterday
‘Modern Love’: Bridget Everett Says A Best Friend Can Be Your Greatest Love
Stories of romantic love are everywhere, but the actor, singer and comedian Bridget Everett says that friendships deserve our attention, too. Onscreen and in everyday life.Last Fall, Everett appeared on Modern Love to talk about her HBO Original series “Somebody Somewhere,” which ... Show More
38m 49s
Aug 23
'The Interview': Jen Hatmaker's Life Exploded in Middle Age. So She Built a Better One.
The former evangelical star on waking up halfway through her life. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 
45m 43s
Aug 22
California Strikes Back at Texas’ Power Grab
Texas is about to gerrymander five new house seats, and California is ready to retaliate. Gov. Gavin Newsom says that his state will also redraw its congressional maps to create five new districts, effectively fighting fire with fire.Laurel Rosenhall, who covers California’s gove ... Show More
28m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2023
What happened to Kevin McCarthy?
Who will be the new speaker of the House? Republican leader Kevin McCarthy struggles to whip up the votes.  Read more: The House met for the first day of the 118th Congress on Tuesday to swear in members and elect a speaker for the new Republican majority.  House Republican leade ... Show More
19m 59s
Oct 2023
All-Star Panel: The House Ousts Speaker McCarthy
For the first time ever, the House of Representatives ousted the Speaker of the House, as Congressman Kevin McCarthy failed to beat the motion to vacate that was brought by Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. FOX News Senior Political Analyst Juan Williams, and FOX News Audio Politic ... Show More
23m 24s
Oct 2023
Ep.408: I Repubblicani si menano tra loro. McCarthy finisce male
Kevin McCarthy non è più lo speaker repubblicano del Congresso americano. È finito nel mezzo di una guerra civile dentro il suo partito tra quelli che sono anche trumpiani e quelli che non lo sono. È caduto sul budget, la nostra “finanziaria”, e questo nonostante avesse ottenuto ... Show More
9m 45s
Apr 2022
McCarthy Caught on Tape (Again)
New audio from the New York Times reveals House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy had private concerns about some far-right members' behavior following the insurrection last year – concerns that contradict his public opinion shortly after. CNN Political Director David Chalian explai ... Show More
9m 15s
Jan 2023
Speaker’s Gavel in Sight for McCarthy
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has flipped 15 previous holdouts, making the speaker’s gavel within reach. CNN's Political Director David Chalian explains why McCarthy is confident he’ll cross the finish line when the House reconvenes tonight. Plus, President Joe Biden commemorat ... Show More
10m 54s
Oct 2023
House GOP even more bitterly divided in aftermath of McCarthy’s ouster
House Majority Leader Steve Scalice and Republican Rep. Jim Jordan have said they’ll run for speaker of the House after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was voted out and announced he won’t run again. There have been calls from some Republicans to expel GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz from the conference ... Show More
45m 41s
Jan 2023
McCarthy suffers defeat on 3rd speaker ballot
For the first time since 1923, the vote for House speaker has gone to multiple ballots leaving Rep. Kevin McCarthy without enough votes. GOP Rep. Chip Roy of Texas joins to discuss his vocal opposition to McCarthy. Former acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney also joins ... Show More
1h 39m
Jan 2023
House adjourns after chaotic day without electing a speaker as McCarthy fails to lock down votes
The House adjourned for the day without a speaker after Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy failed to get the support of his party and lost three rounds of voting. McCarthy is facing a small group of hardline conservatives but sources tell CNN he’s not giving up. Former acting chief o ... Show More
1h 22m
Nov 2018
Trump Wakes Up Shaking
On this late-breaking episode: How to understand this historic night as the political makeup of the country is being written in real-time—like, as we record. Despite some big losses and reports of long lines at the polls, the Democrats had a huge night. D.C. Bureau chief David Co ... Show More
22m 1s