Staff Reports
The Washington Examiner reports that House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, could be in danger of losing his coveted position sooner than expected. This comes as a blow, just like it did for the previous speaker, Kevin McCarthy. It seems that Johnson’s charm as a leader has worn off for many House Republicans, especially the conservative members who are brewing with discontent over his budget negotiations with the Democrats.
First off, we have the outspoken Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, who has made it abundantly clear that she will not stand for any budget deal with the Democrats. She even went as far as to threaten vacating the speakership herself if Johnson dared to make moves towards such a deal. She’s not playing around, and she’s made sure Johnson knows it.
Four signs Mike Johnson's days as speaker could be numbered – Washington Examiner https://t.co/i8FmCgoDF3
— Dr. Carol M. Swain (@carolmswain) January 18, 2024
Then there’s the Texas representative Chip Roy, who has joined the chorus of disapproval, expressing his disappointment with Johnson’s budget decisions. He’s not ruling out the possibility of removing Johnson from power, which must have Johnson sweating under the collar.
Another voice in the mix is Rep. Eli Crane from Arizona, who isn’t shying away from the idea of ousting Johnson. He sees the motion to vacate as a viable tool if things keep going south.
The article also points out that not all Democrats may rush to Johnson’s defense if push comes to shove. This is a warning sign for Johnson, as he may find himself standing alone if his party turns against him. It’s a stark reminder that in politics, allies can quickly become adversaries when power is at stake.
To add fuel to the fire, there’s reported general discord within the House Republicans. Many members believe Johnson is struggling to deliver conservative victories and may be out of his depth. Punchbowl News even quoted a representative saying that Johnson is “struggling to grow into the job and is just getting rolled even more than McCarthy did.” Ouch. That’s got to sting.
In conclusion, Johnson’s days as House speaker seem to be numbered, with cracks appearing in his Republican support base, and Democrats potentially staying on the sidelines if the showdown intensifies. It’s a tough spot for Johnson to be in, but that’s politics for you.
