With the Republicans in the House desperate for a new leader, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) has suggested that former vice president Dick Cheney be the next Speaker of the House.
According to Politico, Cotton said, “Look, these are trying times for our nation. It’s important to have a steady hand on the helm during times like this. I think experience really counts in a matter like this. I think House leadership experience really matters. And as you know the speaker doesn’t have to be a member of the House: So therefore, Vice President Cheney for speaker.”
The ultimate in crazy would be if Paul Ryan refused to run for speaker and an outside name like Dick Cheney ended up with the job. Cheney is eligible to serve as Speaker of the House because the Speaker is not required to be a member of Congress.
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It would be fitting if the dysfunctional House Republicans selected Cheney. After all, Cheney perfectly fits the mold of the modern Republican. He lied the country into war while serving in an administration that blew up the deficit while trashing the economy.
Cheney is a hardcore Obama hater, and his tough talk would certainly make the Republican caucus giddy. Dick Cheney is also an old man with a bad heart. If there is one thing that might finally kill Cheney, it would be having to lead the world’s most dysfunctional legislative majority.
The fact anyone would suggest Cheney for Speaker with a straight face suggests that things in the Republican Party have gotten worse than most of us can imagine.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
