Watching progressive Democrats flail on the recent attacks on Israel (Ed Markey got lustily booed over his comments) just highlights how much Gaetz' putsch has cost the GOP.

If they had a Speaker, there already would have been floor votes on some very, very pointed resolutions of support of Israel and condemnations of Hamas - and well as emergency allocations of resources to help Israel fight back. Those measures would have been drafted in a way that overwhelming majorities in the House could vote for them, but members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus would have to oppose. A very, very painful split.

Even if the objectors handled their opposition perfectly, it would create invaluable talking points and fundraising opportunities for the GOP. It would give them a generational opportunity to be more attractive to Jewish voters, and perhaps take back a marginal seat or two based on that vote. And if the progressives didn't handle it perfectly....well, one ill-considered line in a floor speech or a press conference could sow more than division and anger within the Democrats. This is such a raw, emotional issue for part of the caucus right now that a misstep could lead to permanent rifts.

But the GOP doesn't have a Speaker. The moment is being lost. The confusion passes, PR flacks are finding the right through-line, and by the time any measure hits the floor the Squad and their allies will have figured out how they want to handle it.

Pramila Jayapal should send Matt Gaetz a fruit basket in deepest, sincerest thanks.