This moment marks a pivotal point in their relationship.McCarthy explained to POLITICO, that Jordan and both of them evolved to adapt to their current situation. He stated that if you don't learn to adapt, you won't get there.The onetime rivals for leadership are closer than ever. Even the Ohioan is rethinking Freedom Caucus efforts in 2015 to replace McCarthy with former Speaker Paul Ryan (R.-Wis.).Mark Wilson/Getty ImagesJordan stated that McCarthy should have been the speaker and Ryan was not during a recent interview. We should have done it because Kevin is able to make a decision and... has done a great job of getting the whole team together.This remarkable shift in dynamics between the men, which went from being rivals for the minority leader to becoming partners, speaks volumes about the reasons Republicans feel confident that they will retake the House next year. Jordan stated that he expected his good relations to McCarthy to continue if the party takes the majority. He also denied any interest in competing for a higher position at the time and said that it was McCarthy's leadership that has evolved.Jordan stated that although I don't believe I have changed, there has been a dramatic shift in the leadership of our conference.Jordan was present before the GOP Steering Committee to discuss his top job on 2018's Oversight Committee. However, many Republicans were still reminiscing about his time as a rhetorical bomb-thrower at the Freedom Caucus. The meeting was dominated by Republican leadership and Jordan was skewered by the members of the steering committee.It is not possible to go all s---y at the conference and then be rewarded with a rank member's post. One lawmaker on the Steering Panel recalled the back-and forth, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Republican who claimed Jordan was abused received a severe dressing down and eventually agreed to give the GOP leadership the benefit-of-the doubt if he could lead his party on Oversight.McCarthy and the other Republicans saw Jordan's past actions against the conference as a result of his exclusion. His motivations changed once he was allowed to sit at the table.McCarthy stated that Jordan was not going to be influenced by McCarthy's decision to offer him the Oversight position. McCarthy said that he didn't attempt to force Jordan into accepting the position. He stated only that "If your ranker is going to be an Oversight spot, you have responsibilities."Jordan stated that he doesn't remember being warned so sharply at the Steering Meeting. He said that he didn't recall being warned sharply during the Steering meeting. McCarthy was also present. Jordan claims that he did not make any promises about his 2018 performance as ranking member, but he said, "Thanks for the chance."No matter who is correct, it's clear that Jordan took advantage of the opportunity McCarthy offered him. The risk paid off tremendously. Jordan was quickly promoted to the House Judiciary Committee's top Republican position, something he had always longed for. He would be a key part of the GOP defense against the Democrats' first impeachment investigation into Trumps contacts in Ukraine. This performance helped him to become one of McCarthy’s top picks for Jan. 6.Trump played an important role in Jordan's rise from the fringes of the House GOP to the top ranks. To ease tensions between them, the former president was involved in the McCarthy–Jordan leadership race in 2018. Jordan's support for the bombastic Trump is just as important to his rise in Congress as Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.). fall.Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) As they prepare for their first hearing on Tuesday, Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday July 26, 2021, the select committee on Jan. 6 attacks leaves a meeting. | (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo)Trump played an indirect part in Jordan's increasing House GOP power. The Ohioan was a key figure in the Republican defense of Trump's impeachments. He mentored younger members of the Judiciary or Oversight panels, and helped to make new friends across the ideological spectrum.Jim, I noticed that especially in the last year, he spends a lot time talking to new members. He feels like they need his advice. This is Rep. James Comer (R.Ky.), who was elected the top Republican to the Oversight panel following Jordan's move to Judiciary.Comer said that while he wasn't probably the most well-known member of the conference four and a quarter years ago, he is now. He is the most beloved member of the Republican base. There's no doubt about that.Jordan stated that he tries to help his colleagues, especially if they're on the Judiciary panel. He also said that he has traveled to Louisiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to aid fellow House Republicans.That is what you do. It's what Kevin McCarthy does. It's what [House Minority Whip] Steve [Scalise] does. Jordan said that President Trump did it."While he may have moved on from his past antics, his support for shutdown politics and political brawls as well as his willingness to defend Trump at all costs, his ability to launch attacks at his opponents, not to mention his connections to the Ohio State University wrestling program, will make Jordan a lasting remembrance among Democrats. Pelosi is regarded as a hero for blocking Jordan's Jan. 6 probe.Rep. Gerry Connolly (D. Va.) stated that Jordan "led the charge" among Republicans towards "cultish behavior [that's] contributed deep dysfunctionality and debasement a proud, major political party."Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., walks through the Capitol's basement as veteran representatives and new members gather behind closed doors for discussions about their agenda if they become the majority in Congress' 116th Congress. | J. Scott Applewhite/AP PhotoHouse Republicans have different opinions on Jordan's situation. Rep. Warren Davidson (R. Ohio), a friend and fellow Freedom Caucus member said he believes Congress has probably" evolved more than Jordan. Rep. Ralph Norman (R.S.C.), a conservative far-right Democrat, said that Jordan's message is still the best.Even though it is not publicly acknowledged by Republicans, Jordan has changed. Others suggested that Jordan's vibe could be different if the Republicans take back the House next Year.We are in the minority," said Rep. Chip Roy (R.Texas), who is a Freedom Caucus member. He said, "Let's see what January looks like."Rep. Chip Roy (Republican from Texas) speaks at a hearing held on Capitol Hill in Washington. | Patrick Semansky/AP PhotoSome McCarthy aides have suggested that Jordan's transformation was partly due to pulling the Ohioan from Meadows who they considered a negative influence.Jordan has distanced his self from several moves by Freedom Caucus members, including the deployment parliamentary delay tactics to protest Democratic policies. This frustrates the wider GOP conference. Jordan has also voted against Freedom Caucus members in key votes, including the support of two bills that honor the Capitol Police's response to the Jan.6 assault.Some Republicans still question whether Jordan will continue his alliance with McCarthy, and other leaders, if they win the House again next fall. Others wonder if Jordan may have secretly plotted to overthrow McCarthy, despite the fact that he has moved from the outside to inside the GOP conference. Many believe that their unity will continue well into 2023, with Jordan fully included.Rep. Don Bacon (R. Neb.) said that it makes us more inclusive. He is a moderate member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. A great saying goes: It's better for people to be in the tent pissing than those outside.McCarthy made a more pathetic assessment of Jordan: "He is getting along with everybody that's a leader."Nicholas Wu contributed to the report.
