Ian’s note: This is a Colorado politics newsletter/podcast, so we tend not to weigh in on international issues, however, we wanted to note that this episode was recorded before the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel that began on Shabbat, October 7 2023, roughly 50 years after the Yom Kippur War. That’s why there’s no mention of this terrible, heinous terrorist attack anywhere in this episode, despite it being the reason I’m a week late in writing this newsletter to you, so you’ll end up getting more than you’re used to this week. I’m still gathering my thoughts and I’m sure we’ll be talking more about this as the war unfolds, but until then, try and enjoy the show.
Fall is upon us, the leaves are changing, and, most importantly, local elections in Colorado and off-year midterms in other states are in full swing. On this episode of The Get More Smarter Podcast, we had a lot to cover. A government shutdown was narrowly avoided, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's career took a nosedive, and Democrats were in complete and total disarray. Plus, we have a special guest who witnessed the action up close. Buckle up; it's going to be a wild ride.
An Historic Moment with Congresswoman-of-the-Pod:
Our interview last week featured none other than US Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, who happens to be married to yours truly. We couldn't resist asking her about the historic moment when Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his position, becoming the first Speaker of the House in US history to face such a fate.
Brittany shared her firsthand account of that fateful day, describing the atmosphere in the room when McCarthy's fate was sealed. She talked about the eerie moments of silence and the goosebumps-inducing final vote count. Brittany also offered insights into why McCarthy ultimately lost the Speakership, highlighting the internal turmoil within the Republican Party.
No Shutdown, but a Circus Nonetheless:
In our previous episode, we braced ourselves for an impending government shutdown, but this crisis was narrowly averted with a last-minute 45-day extension to continue funding the government. However, funding for Ukraine's war against Russia didn't make the cut, though many lawmakers are committed to rectifying that soon.
The avoidance of the shutdown hinged on now-former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's realization that he needed to cooperate with Democrats, despite opposition from a group of right-wing Republicans who simply want to watch it all burn down. It’s evidence of the oldest rule in the business, elect a bunch of clowns, get a fuckin’ circus.
Boebert Report: The Drama Continues:
Oh, Lauren Boebert, everyone's favorite source of controversy. This time, she's losing endorsements and even drawing the ire of MAGA internet warriors. First-term Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel joined Commissioner Cody Davis in endorsing Grand Junction attorney Jeff Hurd, citing Boebert's antics, including the infamous "Beetlejuice" incident, as reasons for their decision. Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland, who once compared homosexuality to bestiality, now finds Boebert’s behavior so embarrassing and unhelpful that, while she didn’t jump the fence and endorse Hurd, has un-endorsed Boebert. That’s 3/3 Mesa County Commissioners who will not be casting a vote to re-elect our 8th favorite Member of Congress from Colorado in 2024.
Meanwhile, Adam Frisch, Boebert’s leading Democratic challenger, is showing impressive fundraising numbers, outraising Boebert with a whopping $3.4 million raised in Q3. Read all about the latest congressional fundraising numbers over at our much-bigger-brother-blog ColoradoPols.com.
CNN Ken, or is it KenSNBC?:
The chaos continues with our 7th favorite member of Congress from Colorado, CNN Ken Buck. He's getting quite the attention lately. Rep. Buck made headlines when he declared that he won't run for House Speaker, much to the amusement of many. Newt Gingrich (paragon of nonpartisan sanity and leadership in Washington, natch) even called for his removal on Fox News.
But the drama doesn't end there. Buck is being dubbed the "Liz Cheney of Colorado" by some, indicating the growing discontent within the GOP.
Colorado Republicans Keep Fighting Each Other:
While the GOP should be focusing on competitive races and targeting Democrats, they seem more interested in internal squabbles. State Rep. Ken DeGraaf took to the Colorado Springs Gazette to criticize the GOP's "consultant class," sparking a feud that included responses from former State Chair Dick Wadhams and accusations of ghostwriting.
This infighting only highlights the problems facing the Colorado GOP, distracting from the real work of challenging Democrats in competitive races.
And that's a wrap for this episode of the Get More Smarter Podcast! Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Leave us a review on iTunes – we love to hear your thoughts. For bonus content and all things Get More Smarter, head over to GetMoreSmarter.com. If you've got rants, whether angry or not, send them our way at angryrants@getmoresmarter.com.
Until next time, this is Ian, and thanks for joining us on the Get More Smarter Podcast. It's never a dull moment in the world of politics!
EPISODE 168: Who Will Speak for the Speakerless? (feat. Rep. Brittany Pettersen)