House Republicans Rally Around Trump-Loving Congressman Mike Johnson for Speakership
In a surprising turn of events, House Republicans have chosen little-known congressman Mike Johnson as their new speaker. This decision solidifies the Magafication of the congressional Republican delegation. After weeks of infighting and internal conflict, Republican moderates have conceded defeat, blurring the line between Republican and neo-Confederate ideologies.
Johnson is not just an election denier and social conservative; he actively recruited fellow Republicans to overturn the 2020 election results through a legal brief sent to the US Supreme Court. This disregard for the will of the people was supported by 60% of his party members. Furthermore, Johnson spread baseless claims about rigged voting machines, similar to those that got Fox News into legal trouble. In fact, Fox News had to pay $787 million to settle a defamation suit filed by Dominion Voting Systems.
Johnson’s controversial views extend beyond election integrity. He supported criminalizing same-sex relationships in the past, stating that states have the right to proscribe such behavior. His staunch opposition to reproductive freedom and limited support for privacy rights make him unpopular among swing voters and suburban moms.
Despite these divisive positions, Johnson received an unqualified endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Trump praised Johnson’s popularity, further solidifying his influence within the party. This victory for Johnson is also seen as a win for Matt Gaetz and Steve Bannon, two prominent figures in the Trump movement. Their support for Johnson indicates that the bomb-throwers now have significant influence within the Republican Party.
Practically speaking, Johnson’s election may have negative consequences for aid to Ukraine and increase the likelihood of a government shutdown. The current continuing resolution, which led to the downfall of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is set to expire soon. Johnson’s legislative agenda includes passing a follow-up continuing resolution and prioritizing the condemnation of Hamas, while omitting any mention of aid to Israel.
In a rare moment of unity, the House adopted a resolution condemning the Iran-backed terror group, with overwhelming support from both parties. However, Johnson’s controversial past actions and statements suggest that he may not prioritize mainstream opinion or take a strong stance against white supremacists.
Overall, Johnson’s election as speaker represents a shift towards a more Trumpist and divisive Republican Party. It remains to be seen how this will impact future legislation and the party’s appeal to a broader electorate.
Original Story at www.theguardian.com – 2023-10-26 15:58:00
