Democrats Defang the House’s Far Right
AtlanticMay 02
Democrats Will Protect Speaker Johnson From Motion to Vacate
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The Facts
US House Democratic leaders Tuesday announced they would back Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana if Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) attempts to oust him from the speakership.
Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), and other members of the leadership, wrote it's time to "turn the page on this chapter of Pro-Putin Republican obstruction" and support Johnson as part of continuing to find "bipartisan common ground with traditional Republicans."
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The real divide in Washington isn't Republicans vs. Democrats, it's those who put America first against those who are bought and paid for by special interests. Upon becoming Speaker, Johnson vowed to uphold the will of Republican voters and fight against far-left policies that are bleeding America dry. But he decided to cozy up with Democrats and fortify the "uniparty" in DC, so now he must be removed.
Republican narrative
While some Republicans may not be thrilled with Johnson, it's important for the GOP to stick together for the good of the party. With a razor-thin majority, sometimes Republicans need Democratic support, and it's unreasonable to expect Johnson to be perfect. Republicans already removed one speaker, and ousting Johnson would only make the party look bad.
Democratic narrative
While Republicans continue to show the country they're incapable of governing, Democrats are rising above politics. House Democrats may not agree with Johnson ideologically, but they're committed to restoring decency and bipartisanship. By ending Greene's political stunt Democrats are showing they're the adults in the room.