Yesterday’s link catalogued the right’s hopes for Kevin McCarthy’s speakership. Today’s details the left’s concerns, and they are deeply held. It might be tempting for some to dismiss Democratic columnist Douglas Schoen’s reservations as performative hand-wringing, but Schoen isn’t a party shill. He’s as apt to criticize Democratic extremism as he is Republican, which means the right should at least consider what he has to say.

At the center of Schoen’s worries lies the Freedom Caucus, a small group of controversial and ideological Republican representatives. To win their votes for speaker, McCarthy made them a number of eye-popping concessions. Where only one caucus member might typically have expected a seat on the powerful Rules Committee, that number has reportedly risen as high as three. Meanwhile, only one Republican vote is needed to call for a new speaker, down from a hundred twelve. Given McCarthy’s eagerness to retain his gavel and the Freedom Caucus’s avowed disinterest in compromising with Republicans (not to mention Democrats), it’s very possible this Congress will live at the whim of some its most divisive members. That shouldn’t be a comforting thought for anyone.

One could be forgiven for believing Republicans’ disappointing midterms would encourage them to put their best foot forward. It’s still early days to be sure. But right now, looking at where we are, the Freedom Caucus’ elevated role feels like a step back.