Gaetz wanted to “break the fever” of D.C., so he teamed up with minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, “the squad,” Adam Schiff and so on. Jeffries claimed he was supporting Gaetz’s efforts because Republicans have shown an “unwillingness to break from MAGA extremism in an authentic and comprehensive manner.”

The notion that Democrats are backing a leading MAGA loyalist because they want to temper the “extremism” of Republicans makes about as much sense as Jamaal Bowman’s fire alarm story. Democrats keep pretending they yearn for a more responsible GOP and stable political environment, then keep supporting every fringe effort and candidate to undermine both.

Of course, no one is owed anything. McCarthy isn’t the only person available in D.C. to serve as a middling speaker of the House. And, frankly, if he’d been more talented at the job, he might have headed off this challenge more effectively. But it’s doubtful anyone is going to perform better with a slender majority and the Senate and presidency in Democrats’ hands.

But then again, none of that matters when you’re having a tantrum.