Even though Queen Mother Catherine de Medici's reputation as a ruthless poisoner seems broadly known, the residents of the French court eagerly accept or even solicit gifts from her, which inevitably turn out to be fatal. It seems likely that Paul Ryan's election as House Speaker will prove to be just such a poisoned chalice

Members may face a financial bind without a speaker who's a friend to the donor class.

Dick Cheney endorsed him, but you can skip knowing that.

Republicans need a Speaker of the House who is a front guy (or woman) who can talk and walk at the same time, is not verbally accident prone, and who projects a positive and optimistic persona, someone likable and not angry all the time.