'Mission from God': Analyst ridicules Mike Johnson for how he runs House
Mike Johnson has been ridiculed by a political analyst for running the House as though he is on a "mission from God."
Commentary from Greg Sargent and Sarah Posner highlighted the shortcomings of Johnson's role as Speaker of the House. The GOP representative, according to Posner, does not represent the American people, just those who voted for the party. Speaking to The New Republic, Posner said, "For Johnson, he represents only Republicans."
"In his mind, he doesn’t represent all American people. He thinks that he is on a mission from God to carry out a biblical or a Christian kind of government. And in his mind, that kind of government, you know, does not represent the ideals of, you know, helping your neighbor, welcoming the stranger—things that many people would think are biblical values."
"But for him, the biblical values are a strong, powerful, militarized government that lays down the law and protects America from what he sees as America’s enemies: the left."
Johnson could be set to lose his majority in the House, with an analyst for MS Now believing the House leader will be in an untenable position by the end of the year.
After the unexpected death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and serious car crash involving Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN), who was hospitalized and expected to recover — but will not be available for upcoming votes — the Republican majority is hanging in the balance, according to Steve Benen, producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show."
"LaMalfa’s death leaves House Speaker Mike Johnson with a 218-member conference — in a chamber where 218 is the bare minimum for a majority," Benen explained.
"What’s more, conditions for the majority party are likely to get worse before they get better, Benen wrote. "While Greene and LaMalfa are likely to be replaced by Republicans, the special elections to fill their vacancies are still months away."
"On the other hand, later this month, voters will replace the late Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner in one of Texas’ bluest districts, increasing the Democratic conference to 214 members and narrowing the House GOP’s advantage even more."