AOC Is Enjoying the House GOP Division a Little Too Much, Photo Shows

(UnitedVoice.com) – After the 2020 election when it was clear the Democratic Party maintained control of the House but lost many seats, there was a lot of talk about the possibility Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) would not have the votes to become speaker. Media organizations published countless pieces about the issue. The issue was that because the Democrats had done so poorly in the congressional races, she could only afford to lose a handful of votes, and her party divisions at the time caused uncertainty. She would suffer an embarrassing defeat if she couldn’t unite her caucus. That eventuality never panned out. The caucus reelected Pelosi as Speaker without any issues.

Fast forward two years, Pelosi’s nightmare has become Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) reality. Democratic representatives have mocked their colleagues through the difficult time, even bringing popcorn to the floor to eat while the saga unfolds. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is one of the lawmakers who seem to be enjoying the process.

Photo Makes Rounds

On January 4, an image taken by photographer Anna Moneymaker spread like wildfire through social media. The photo showed Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) giving an impassioned speech on the House floor before lawmakers voted for a speaker. The Florida Republican was leading a group of lawmakers who opposed Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s bid for House leader. AOC is smiling in the picture’s background as if she’s enjoying the fight between Republicans.

There is so much to be said about the Old Masters-style composition of this photograph by ANNA MONEYMAKER for GETTY IMAGES. pic.twitter.com/SppaoTDQfH

— Mike Godwin (@sfmnemonic) January 5, 2023

In addition to the photograph, AOC has spoken about what’s happening in the lower chamber. Photographers have captured her chatting it up with GOP members. In an interview with MSNBC, she explained that the battle in the House is historic — something not seen in 100 years.

Other observers have described what’s happening in the House as embarrassing. The chamber can’t start work until they choose a speaker.

Chaos in the House

McCarthy lost more than a dozen ballots for the Speaker of the House. A group of Republicans repeatedly objected to his nomination, and he repeatedly failed to garner enough votes. Gaetz was particularly angry about what was happening, especially considering McCarthy moved into the office designated for the Speaker without winning the vote first.

Gaetz sent a letter to Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, demanding to know why building managers allowed the California congressman to move into the office. The Florida Republican posted the letter on Twitter. In the letter, he asked, “How long will [McCarthy] remain there before he is considered a squatter?”

The Speaker of the House Office in the Capitol is currently being occupied by Kevin McCarthy.

Kevin McCarthy is not the Speaker of the House. He lost 3 consecutive votes today.

I’m demanding answers from the Architect of the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/AIZ8bFks6W

— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 4, 2023