The Daily – The House Finally Has a Speaker

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily,” the focus is on the election of Mike Johnson as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. After 21 days without a leader, House Republicans have finally chosen someone to lead them. The battle for speaker involved intense pressure tactics, threats, and intimidation. Ultimately, the moderates stood their ground and prevented Jim Jordan, a far-right candidate, from becoming speaker. Instead, they selected Mike Johnson, a conservative Christian politician who shares similar views with Jordan. This decision reflects the ascendance of the MAGA movement and the power dynamics within the Republican Party.

Main Takeaways

Republicans Elect Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House

• After 21 days without a leader, House Republicans have elected Mike Johnson as speaker of the House of Representatives.
• Johnson received a unanimous vote from his fellow House Republicans and now has the mandate to get Congress back to work.

Moderates Block Jim Jordan’s Bid for Speaker

• The battle for speaker was initially between Jim Jordan and more mainstream Republicans, but Jordan’s pressure campaign and far-right network ultimately backfired.
• Moderates dug in deeper and created an unmovable block to prevent Jordan from becoming speaker.

Threats and Intimidation During the Battle for Speaker

• Threats and intimidation, including death threats and personal attacks, were made against members of Congress and their families during the battle for speaker.

Tom Emmer Nominated as a Moderate Candidate

• Tom Emmer of Minnesota was nominated as a moderate candidate for Speaker of the House.
• Emmer has taken moderate stances on issues such as same-sex marriage and certifying President Biden’s victory, but may face challenges from overall House Republicans.

Mike Johnson Rises Above Other Candidates

• After Emmer resigns, six more Republicans throw their names in as potential candidates for Speaker.
• Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a conservative Christian who has no problem objecting to the 2020 election results, rises above all others.

The Power Shift within the Republican Party

• Mike Johnson’s election shows the ascendance of the MAGA movement and where the power in the Republican Party truly lies.
• The Republican Party is now more populist and remade in Donald Trump’s image.

Summary

The Battle for Speaker and the Rise of Mike Johnson

After 21 days without a leader, House Republicans have finally elected Mike Johnson as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. The battle for speaker initially involved a competition between Jim Jordan, a far-right candidate, and more mainstream Republicans. However, Jordan’s pressure campaign and far-right network ultimately backfired, leading moderates to block his bid for speaker. Threats and intimidation were made against members of Congress and their families during this intense battle.

The Nomination of Tom Emmer and Mike Johnson’s Rise to Power

Tom Emmer of Minnesota was nominated as a moderate candidate for Speaker of the House, but he faced challenges from overall House Republicans. After Emmer resigned, six more Republicans threw their names in as potential candidates. However, Mike Johnson, a conservative Christian politician who shares similar views with Jim Jordan, rose above all others. Johnson’s election reflects the power shift within the Republican Party, with the ascendance of the MAGA movement and the remaking of the party in Donald Trump’s image.

The Uncertainty and Challenges Ahead for Mike Johnson

While Mike Johnson has become the new Speaker of the House, there are uncertainties about how long he will remain successful in this role. The volatility of MAGA House Republican politics poses challenges, and the hard-right Republicans’ use of pressure tactics is still in effect in Congress. Despite this, Johnson has the command of the party and is ready to govern. The need to avoid further dysfunction and potential government shutdowns drove the moderates to support Johnson’s nomination.

Conclusion

The election of Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House of Representatives marks a significant moment in the power dynamics within the Republican Party. Johnson’s rise reflects the influence of the MAGA movement and the remaking of the party in Donald Trump’s image. However, the challenges ahead for Johnson and the overall functioning of Congress remain uncertain. The need to avoid further dysfunction and govern effectively will be crucial for Johnson’s success as Speaker.