The Republican Polarization: The Far Right Strikes Back

After the Republican takeover of the House of Representatives after the 2022 elections, and the end of Kevin McCarthy`s ultimately successful bid to become its speaker, it has been made evident that the politics of the United States of America, is well on its way to becoming very polarized, or worse, it has already had. The ultra-conservative Trumpists, of the “Freedom Caucus” faction within the GOP, have been trying to lead the party into a much far-right stance than what many other factions within the party would prefer. The ultra-conservatives have made it clear that they want to see their requests through, and that they will go to such extreme lengths to gain concessions from the rest of the party. Even Representative McCarthy, who himself is considered to be a pro-Trumpist, albeit with moderate stances within his party, wasn't spared.

The ultra-conservatives have polarized themselves away from the rest of the Grand Old Party, away from the moderates, and the Republican “Progressives”. This was proven more clearly, when during Representative McCarthy`s historic five days, and fifteenth votings, almost all of the “Rebel Votes”, came from the members of the “Freedom Caucus” faction, like Representative Matt Gaetz, and they made clear their objection to McCarthy`s bid, nominating other candidates, like Representative Byron, or even the former President Trump, for the speakership while scuttling the collective efforts of the Republican Party. Eventually, after offering significant concessions, Representative McCarthy was indeed elected to his speakership, however, this is just the beginning. This adamant object from the far-right, ultra-conservatives has shown that a schism is starting to take shape within the GOP.

As McCarthy walks on shaky grounds as the new Speaker, and this feud between the far-right and the rest of the party starts to engulf the Republicans, the outcomes are very clear.

One way, or another, the ultra-conservatives have obtained a victory, and it won't be long before they gather up their newfound strength, and challenge the rest of the party again, and it looks like the Grand Old Party is heading towards a “Grand Schism”.