The anti-establishment guy who put all his faith on Trump to back his crazed run against Paul Ryan is now looking to add the humiliation of getting trounced by about 70 points.
The dude is actually challenging Ryan for the House Speakership.
Wow. Paul Nehlen announced he's challenging Paul Ryan for House Speaker pic.twitter.com/GDJ5cOW3qL
— Allan Smith (@akarl_smith) October 26, 2016
…one man is putting his hat into the ring: Paul Nehlen, a Wisconsin businessman who lost resoundingly to Ryan in their August primary fight.
Nehlen told CNN Tuesday he plans to run against Ryan for speaker given that the Constitution allows people who are not elected representatives to serve as House speaker. (Non-members like Colin Powell have often received protest votes during speakership elections.)
“It’s going to be nationalized,” Nehlen said of his quixotic bid to become speaker, accusing Ryan of “backstabbing our nominee.”
Nehlen said that Ryan has “damaged his brand,” saying he would pressure the House Freedom Caucus in particular to revolt against the GOP speaker.
“We are going to make it uncomfortable for House members who say we have no confidence in Speaker Ryan” but ultimately decide to vote for him.
I really thought the sad pathetic tale of Paul Nehlen was over after Trump’s thugs threw him out of a campaign rally, but it looks like he is hooked on embarrassment and humiliation. At least it’s entertaining!
And it’s great for Twitter snark fodder:
You are all going to look really silly when President Trump gives the State of the Union flanked by Vice President Pence and Speaker Nehlen.
— Jim Antle (@jimantle) October 26, 2016
Obvious that Nehlen "I'm running for Speaker!" stunt just an audition piece for hoped-for post-elex career as Trumpist political celebrity.
— Jeff B/DDHQ (@EsotericCD) October 26, 2016
Nehlen for Speaker? What a cuck notion. Unless it's Sheriff Joe or Cliven Bundy — you've sold out. #MAGA #NoRINOs #LockHerUp #JailMegyn
— Jay Nordlinger (@jaynordlinger) October 26, 2016
Next person to say the "Speaker of the House doesn't have to be a member of Congress" gets shunned forever. Stop it. Shut up. You're a moron
— John Bresnahan (@BresPolitico) October 25, 2016
Our politics are so stupid that millions of people will be all gung-ho for Paul Nehlen's ridiculous stunt.
— Sean Hackbarth (@seanhackbarth) October 26, 2016
Paul Nehlen announces his intent to be the King of all Londinium and wear a shiny hat.
— Dan McLaughlin (@baseballcrank) October 26, 2016
I dunno… he rides a motorbike, so I’m thinking that’s good for at least 50% of the votes?