Random Thoughts

Recently, Americans witnessed one of the most contentious (and interesting) elections for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in American history. Ultimately, after 15 rounds of voting, the position went to Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California.

The speaker is third in line to the presidency (after the president and vice-president). Having this prestigious job, media commentators have surmised, might make McCarthy wish to be in one of the two positions ahead of him.

But if history is a guide, being Speaker of the House may not be the stepping-stone to higher office that it might appear to...