Dogs chase cars, but they can’t drive one even if they catch it. Matt Gaetz and seven other Republicans have the same problem. The eight dissidents cited the willingness of Speaker Kevin McCarthy to work across the aisle as a reason to remove him. They then joined every Democrat in the House to remove McCarthy as Speaker despite opposition from 210 Republicans.

They had no plan, no alternative strategy, and have left the caucus in chaos for no good reason. 

The next Speaker will get elected from the current leadership, all of whom supported McCarthy. Whoever wins will face the same problem McCarthy did—narrow control over the House while Democrats control the Senate and White House. Nothing will change for House Republicans.

Gaetz’ defenders claim that the “message” sent was worth the chaos. 

The only message this sends is that some 5 percent of the GOP want to burn down the House—and don’t mind partnering with Democrats to do it.