In Kevin McCarthy’s 8-hour tirade, a rambling attempt to show he can lead the rancorous Republicans

It was peak Kevin McCarthy — or at least, the Kevin McCarthy he set out to become the last time he was this close to being House speaker.

Over 8½ hours on the House floor one night and early morning this month, the California Republican and House minority leader unleashed an angry, pugilistic rant against President Biden’s roughly $2 trillion social spending and climate bill, seeking to paint it as wasteful government spending by out-of-touch Democrats. He fumed against gas prices, China, and inflation.

He hyped up fears of crime-ridden cities and undocumented immigrants and fentanyl. He bemoaned what he said would be the most expensive Thanksgiving ever for everyday Americans because of Democratic policies.

“It’s all right, I’ve got all night,” he said to groans from the chamber not long into his remarks around 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 as the House was on the verge of voting on the bill. McCarthy then continued to speak and point his finger into the air until 5:10 the next morning, his forehead shimmering under the glare of lights, his bleary-eyed colleagues behind him resisting the urge to nod off.

For McCarthy, the marathon speech — a record for the House — was a defining moment, a crucial chance to show that he can lead a House Republican caucus that over time has become more radical, combative, and adept at obstructionism and media manipulation. It also looked much like an audition for House speaker, should the Republicans win the majority of seats in next year’s election.

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