Get a Grip, "Experts"

John Boehner and Kevin McCarthy (LA Times)

California Republican Kevin McCarthy was the leading candidate to succeed John Boehner as Speaker of the House...until today. He withdrew his name when 40 conservative members reportedly wouldn't back him. The media couldn't restrain themselves:

Time: "a new level of House Republican chaos."

Economist: "the new McCarthyists"

Vox: "chaos", "uncharted territory"

Oh, please. This is no different from a corporate Chairman announcing his retirement and the expected successor having to bow out because he fell out of favor. The Chairman's still running the show and will just have to stay on a little longer.

"Chaos" because 247 people can't agree under Robert's Rules of Order? No, chaos is the Middle East with millions of refugees fleeing into Europe. The world may be falling apart, but for all the dysfunction it's really not in the Halls of Congress.

[Update - 10/9: Paul Ryan is considering a run for Speaker.

Ryan, the Ways and Means Committee chairman and Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate in 2012 is respected throughout the conference and on paper could bridge the gap between tea party-linked conservatives and more establishment Republicans.

I've long been impressed with Paul Ryan's intellect and practical savvy, a rare combination. Having to "settle" for Paul Ryan after Kevin McCarthy bowed out is like being disappointed that Lou Gehrig had to come in for Wally Pipp.]