Earlier this week I made the dubious prediction that Speaker McCarthy would seek Democrats' help in passing a continuing resolution. "McCarthy will need to make a snap decision before the government's funding expires this weekend," I wrote on Tuesday. "I'm betting he decides to hook up with the Democrats."
By this morning I had given up. Still no movement in the House, not even a rumor of Democratic help.
So, having believed I erred earlier in my prediction, I erred again this morning, mistakenly conceding that my prediction was wrong. I said I wrote what I wrote earlier this week "clearly while suffering from a psychotic break." I thought "Kevin would indeed take the helm. Just as clearly, he won't."
But, shockingly, he did, at least according to The Washington Post: "Unable to keep the government open, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Republicans are now asking Democrats to pass their bill to keep the government open."
The NY Times reports the same: "Republicans and Democrats backed a last-ditch proposal hastily put forward by Speaker Kevin McCarthy."
Having acceded to McCarthy's request, Democrats passed the CR in a vote of 335-91. The bill, now headed to the Senate, funds the government for 45 days. A big downside and possible trouble in the Senate, though — no aid for Ukraine.
Anyway, credit to McCarthy for risking his dream job. I thought he would, then I thought he wouldn't, and then he did. Doing the right thing, even in part, never comes easily to a Republican.