HUMILIATING! Mike Johnson Almost Kicked to the Curb! His Days as Speaker Numbered? | Bulwark Takes

Summary

In this discussion, Tim Miller and Sam Stein break down Mike Johnson's victory as Speaker of the House, despite initial struggles with votes and a tense atmosphere. They discuss how Johnson's win, while technically on the first ballot, was marred by defections and challenges from members like Chip Roy and Ralph Norman. The conversation delves into the political maneuvering behind the scenes, including Trump’s influence in securing Johnson’s position. The group also anticipates the upcoming challenges for Johnson, with crucial votes on government funding and tax cuts looming in the near future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mike Johnson was elected Speaker of the House after a tense voting process, with initial opposition from several Republicans.
• 😀 Three Republicans (Tom Massie, Keith Self, Ralph Norman) voted for other candidates during the first round, signaling initial resistance to Johnson's candidacy.
• 😀 Johnson eventually secured the position, despite some confusion over the exact round of voting, which was complicated by changes in vote choices.
• 😀 The victory was seen as a win for Johnson, but it was marked by drama and a narrow margin, indicating the challenges ahead.
• 😀 The Republican majority is extremely slim, leaving Johnson with very little room for error in upcoming legislative battles.
• 😀 Trump's behind-the-scenes involvement played a crucial role in Johnson’s election, with Trump reportedly making calls to sway key votes.
• 😀 Johnson faced a situation where several key figures, like Chip Roy, attempted to leverage their votes for specific concessions, though they ultimately didn't get what they wanted.
• 😀 While Johnson avoided the fate of McCarthy (who faced 15 rounds of voting), his victory was seen as precarious given the internal GOP divisions.
• 😀 The new rules regarding the motion to vacate (which now requires 9 votes) signal that Johnson's position is fragile and that any misstep could lead to his ouster.
• 😀 Future battles, particularly over government funding, the debt ceiling, and tax cuts, are expected to test Johnson's leadership as the GOP remains divided on key issues.

Q & A

Who were the three Republicans who initially voted against Mike Johnson in the Speaker election?

The three Republicans who initially voted against Mike Johnson were Tom Massie (Kentucky), Tom Emmer, and Keith Self (Texas).

Why is Ralph Norman’s voting behavior described as difficult to pin down?

Ralph Norman's voting behavior is described as difficult to pin down because he has previously supported conflicting candidates and has shifted from being involved in the insurrection to now being too conservative for Mike Johnson.

What does the term 'nine' refer to in the context of the Speaker election?

The 'nine' refers to the group of nine Republicans who either abstained or voted against Mike Johnson. Their position is important because they could potentially derail his leadership if they remain opposed to his decisions.

How did Mike Johnson manage to avoid the situation that Kevin McCarthy faced with 15 ballots?

Mike Johnson avoided the prolonged process that Kevin McCarthy faced by securing the Speakership on the first ballot, despite some initial setbacks. This contrasts with McCarthy's 15-ballot struggle, which was far more dramatic.

What role did Donald Trump play in the Speaker election process?

Donald Trump played a significant behind-the-scenes role in the Speaker election, with his aides reaching out to key Republicans to secure support for Mike Johnson. Trump’s influence helped Johnson gain crucial votes, even though Johnson tried to present an image of leading independently.

What is the new threshold for a motion to vacate the Speaker's position, and why is it important?

The new threshold for a motion to vacate the Speaker's position is nine votes. This is crucial because it puts Mike Johnson on notice that if he loses the support of nine Republicans, they can force him out of office, signaling the fragility of his leadership.

What is the potential danger of Mike Johnson's narrow majority in the House?

Mike Johnson’s narrow majority in the House is problematic because it leaves little room for error. Any significant piece of legislation, such as government funding, the debt ceiling, or tax cuts, will be extremely challenging to pass due to the fractured nature of his party.

Why did some Republicans, like Chip Roy, demand certain concessions in exchange for their votes?

Chip Roy and others demanded concessions, like control over the rules committee, in exchange for their votes. This reflects the fragmented and transactional nature of the Republican Party, where members seek to gain influence over the legislative process in return for support.

How did the situation with the nine abstaining or opposing Republicans signal Johnson’s leadership challenges?

The nine Republicans who either abstained or voted against Mike Johnson signaled that his leadership would be tested by a vocal and influential faction within his party. This group could potentially block his agenda, making his leadership fragile and unpredictable.

What role did Matt Gaetz’s departure from Congress play in the conversation?

Matt Gaetz’s departure from Congress was briefly discussed as a humorous moment, as his colleagues seemed to celebrate his exit with little emotional sentiment. This moment highlighted the ongoing drama and shifting personalities in the Republican Party.