Inauguration day with the Speaker of the Parliament

Being the leader of the Republican House is a bit like marrying Henry VIII. At some point you get your head chopped off.

But for now, Mike Johnson remains not only physically intact—but in a position of incredible power.

Two weeks ago, Johnson was re-elected Speaker of the House on the first ballot. Despite having only the narrowest majority in the House—Republicans control the House by four votes, 219 to 215 Democrats—Mike Johnson was able to unite the warring factions of the Republican Party—moderates, the Freedom Caucus, the Raw Milk Caucus, libertarians , hawks , pigeons, and what Lauren Boebert is – behind him.

It was hard to back out, as it would have only taken a few no votes to send him to Republican Valhalla, where John Boehner chain-smokes and chugs merlot, Paul Ryan does push-ups, and Kevin McCarthy throws darts. a photo by Matt Gaetz.

Now Donald Trump becomes president of the United States, and Mike Johnson is tasked with carrying out his agenda through Congress. And because Republicans control only four seats in the House, the president may have to get very close to some moderate Democrats — especially those with voters itching for a tax cut.

Today on HonestlySpeaker Johnson breaks down this challenge. He talks about how the party is moving forward with two different visions for America; why he thinks Biden was “the worst president ever”; he recalls an eerie experience with Biden in the Oval Office; and he even gives us a taste of his creepy Trump impression.

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