McCarthy steps down, GOP braces for turbulent era

[Daily Kos: The Brief]( [Kevin McCarthy’s congressional career ends with a whimper]( Less than three months after Rep. Kevin McCarthy brashly told reporters that he would “never quit,” the former speaker announced that he is, in fact, [quitting](. This is a stunning development from the man who was second in line to the presidency just months ago. All that sucking up to Donald Trump and MAGA types didn't pay off for McCarthy in the end, and now he’s running for the exit. The ramifications of his departure are huge. Daily Kos Elections' David Nir [rebuts the rampant misinformation around the rapidly shrinking GOP majority]( and explains how this brings the GOP one step closer to chaos. McCarthy isn't just leaving with whatever shred of dignity he has left, he's also [leaving as a prolific GOP fundraiser](. As the old saying goes, “money talks and bullshit walks.” In this case, [both are walking out that door](. Other top stories: - [From Capone to dictatorship: Trump's troubling interview with Hannity]( Trump promised to be a dictator “on day one,” and that was just the start. - [Moms for Liberty struggles with fallout from sexual assault allegation against co-founder's husband]( This is the story that keeps on giving. - [Taylor Swift is Time's person of the year and the far right is big mad about it]( The far right just can’t shake it off that this woman keeps on winning. - [If you can afford to make a monthly donation, please take a minute right now to give $3 to keep Daily Kos online and accessible for everyone.]( - [Hunter Biden's lawyer explains exactly why Biden will only testify publicly]( Hunter Biden’s explanation makes a lot more sense than the Republicans’ effort to keep any such testimony secret. - [Jim Jordan's selective outrage: Document demands and dismissals]( This is so ridiculous that it beggars belief. - [Team Biden: Feeling lukewarm on the economy? Just wait until Republicans strip your health insurance]( Trump has gifted Democrats and President Joe Biden with a winning campaign issue. - [Ukraine Update: Trump, Putin prevail with Republican senators]( Ronald Reagan is turning in his grave. When did Republicans become so weak on security? - You’ll find the best [daily Ukraine coverage]( at Daily Kos! - [Norman Lear, producer of TV's 'All in the Family' and influential liberal advocate, has died at 101]( Pour one out for the man who raised so many of us with his humor and liberal ideals. - [Winter is coming, so get your Daily Kos beanie and stay warm through the cold. Click here to get yours now!]( - POLL OF THE DAY: Who will win the next Republican debate? [Take the poll here.]( [Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Joe Biden] Daily Kos needs you now more than ever We are falling behind our projections for two of our three major revenue streams: advertising and list building. This means that at this moment, we need to rely more and more on donations from the Daily Kos community to make ends meet. Can you chip in $5 right now to help Daily Kos keep fighting? [Donate $5]( If you wish to donate by mail instead, please send a check to Daily Kos, PO Box 70036, Oakland, CA, 94612. Contributions to Daily Kos are not tax deductible. Shop the Daily Kos store All items made in USA and union decorated! //notify.dailykos.com/ss/c/wehEm_vu1NBVXOKYSqOxTIIfkvDY5WdweA22OatZqcQreUgmm33sy_VkOla2Q1TdmAu0D0A_sjL7G_5FjnHJY6SfysJQlbKvOiTyGeY51TjV8rYq_mkKDaPbp4gN07E23xM0RveBGkexqImBfbbRUpsaSvoZ1-Osp_Bjxt6uirmzi6Yrf7XaaKO5v5AuwarjEl7xFvmZZxCrsNVvXEEJ6Tv94cWV5Lp6oDyGyMGtYp5GllfC0AwKndx8Pj6fu71KuITSRvF_Gi7orZF2sHL9aH5HDO3mnEyeBVQ6OGdWBdetEbK5qBzS0qniKQYQhBJeSSkJRXc9Pn2i99q3qFKCHQMAp8DXpZOgsNj6azxmaWTV0Hn3I_PjUftEkwDWxAQ5/41x/EYKjKi_WQIOp9ov6supTxQ/h24/lprqgLo244BwipWzKekPsDIjLZ7SZ70ln-EOxl8Luz4 //notify.dailykos.com/ss/c/wehEm_vu1NBVXOKYSqOxTIIfkvDY5WdweA22OatZqcSz3ExxC8GF5ranIsL0II2ou5wxA_lMdj9SGUCUWhXLxXhcJORUgPe4U4ypZlLj7THxuxSW0e1PolViocHvT0t0dJxhHoaRL5TrXyI3s2MYzJN-hPmK0zHlKLAWqDsJXmEIpXoccacuvNpI68K-mN-F8AzggaHjYI32NgfsPALj1DCIc4-2cKF36MlFYdkWQW_6EBspI9V1-vmmnaAAMmL5-RCdYam4nweMLt9iQqgAuPABDPFjplY-sVSC2KFw6tsqlXpW-n-AI1IslDZsFkwUQLMJR7pQmPthQTx13jR9aJJKQaLMmfnnNJoBppz2jWxkua79TalpBGPJJ8i6ms91-A0VgxXzJh_bsPd6yk1fjg/41x/EYKjKi_WQIOp9ov6supTxQ/h27/_qp5ro86JEK9fy1rBJqPHj15EFlxYlgSdFLlQ1_-dTA Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Daily Kos, please [click here](.