Mike Johnson has won re-election as Speaker of the House in the third round of voting. Johnson faced reckless opposition from within his own party, that nearly resulted in a Democrat filling his position and being third in line for the Presidency.
Rep Thomas Massie of Kentucky was Johnson’s most prominent Republican adversary, dubbing himself a Johnson “hell no” vote. Massie cited Johnson’s collaboration with Democrats as a primary reason for his dissent.
In reality, it is Johnson’s job as Speaker to work with Democrats to some degree, quite frankly, it’s Massie’s job as well. Massie’s logic however, doesn’t seem to meet base level scrutiny.
Massie is upset that Johnson worked with Democrats, giving Democrats power or ground is unacceptable to Massie. So instead of allowing Mike Johnson, a Republican who sometimes reaches across the aisle to hold the most powerful house position, Massie would have that position handed to a Democrat.
Hakeem Jeffries had the most votes behind Johnson. Mike Johnson was the only thing standing between Jeffries and the speakership, Massie, and people like him were the only thing standing between Johnson and the position.
Such stances can be described as nothing short of reckless and negligent. The ill thought through plan very well could have put a damper on Republican controlled Congress that we all worked so hard for in 2024.
