Both are obviously cynical, opportunistic GOP legislative leaders who typically put their party’s interests ahead of their country’s. That said, there are differences:
- McConnell has a vision for the future, which has largely been realized, pending possible revolutionary change from both the right and left;
- McConnell occasionally displays some symptoms of patriotism and bipartisanship;
- McConnell believes in keeping the lights on in Washington; and
- McConnell generally tells the truth and keeps his word.
McCarthy, on the other hand, has no apparent interest in anything except becoming Speaker. He sees maintaining party unity as the means by which that will happen. As a result, he accommodates the extremist members of his caucus to an extent that is dangerous to the country–not that he cares.