The New York TimesThe New York Times

'Nobody is in charge': A ragged Republican Party stumbles through the wilderness

By Lisa Lerer and Reid J Epstein

05 Jan 2023 · 6 min read

Editor's Note

The New York Times analyzes the drama surrounding the election of the US House Speaker and why the Republican party is "confronting an identity crisis unseen in decades".

After two days of chaos and confusion on the House floor, Republicans have made it abundantly clear who is leading their party: absolutely no one.

From the halls of Congress to the Ohio Statehouse to the backroom dealings of the Republican National Committee, the party is confronting an identity crisis unseen in decades. With no unified legislative agenda, clear leadership or shared vision for the country, Republicans find themselves mired in intraparty warfare, defined by a fringe element that seems more eager to tear down the House than to rebuild the foundation of a political party that has faced disappointment in the past three national elections.

Sign in to informed

  • Curated articles from premium publishers, ad-free
  • Concise Daily Briefs with quick-read summaries
  • Read, listen, save for later, or enjoy offline
  • Enjoy personalized content
Or

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.