GOP's extreme choice: Why Mike Johnson is a win for Democrats

[Daily Kos: The Brief]( [Mike Johnson's extremist views: A gift to Democrats in 2024]( Hoo-wee! What a week in the U.S. House, as Republicans churned through seemingly half their caucus before finally uniting behind one of the worst people in the entire Congress. It was quite the wild ride! After weeks of a leadership void, during which [chaotic]( Republicans described themselves as ["dangerous" and "embarrassing,"]( they [finally landed their guy](: full-on MAGA acolyte Rep. Mike Johnson. The unanimous vote for [one of their most extreme members spoke to the GOP’s]( hard reality: If they hadn’t chosen Johnson, the only other path forward was working with Democrats on a power-sharing agreement, and [no Republican, not even so-called “moderates”]( in districts that President Joe Biden won in 2020, could stomach that. Republicans will rue this choice. [Johnson is so bad]( that it’s impossible for any summary to do him justice. He is a [virulently anti-abortion Christo-fascist zealot]( who was a key cog in Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Heck, he doesn’t even believe in democracy, saying, “You know, we don't live in a democracy [but a] Biblical [republic]." He views LGBTQ+ people as “a deviant group.” As Mark Sumner [writes](, “Johnson believes that Christians have an exclusive right to rule the United States.” And if you think all that’s shocking, [there is so much more](. Here’s the cold electoral calculation: Republicans lost the 2022 midterm elections, despite Biden’s unpopularity and soaring inflation, because of two key issues—the Republican threat on our democracy, and the stripping away of abortion rights after the Supreme Court nullified Roe v. Wade. Democrats are already gleefully making Johnson a key 2024 campaign issue. Republicans sure do know how to [double down on the things America really hates]( about them! Other top stories: - [‘Moderate’ House Republicans promise it will be different this time]( All those “moderate” competitive-district Republicans who voted for Johnson are electoral toast. They really messed up with this vote. - [Johnson says it's no use passing new gun laws because there are still cars]( Don’t try to make sense of this logic, but if conservatives want to equate gun deaths with car fatalities, then by all means, let’s do it! Car owners have to be licensed, register their cars, and carry insurance. Let’s do the same for gun owners. - [Marjorie Taylor Greene says supporting voting rights is 'completely against what we stand for']( Say what you will about MTG, she’s refreshingly honest. Just like Johnson, none of the MAGA zealots believe in democracy. - [If you can afford to make a monthly donation, please take a minute right now to give $3 to keep Daily Kos online and accessible for everyone.]( - [The new Republican speaker is a gift for Democrats]( Seriously, Johnson could not be a better campaign issue. He doesn’t even believe in evolution! - [Mike Johnson’s ‘worldview’ advocates necromancy, foreskin collecting, murdering rude children]( It’s satire, yes, but … maybe it’s not? - [Trump will keep on slinging insults, gag order or no gag order, because anger is his product]( Judges are going to have to figure this out. Small fines won’t do it. - You’ll find the best [daily Ukraine coverage]( at Daily Kos! - [Want to show your support for Daily Kos? Wear it loud and proud with one of our NEW long-sleeved shirts! Get yours now!]( Before you leave, can you do one more thing? 2023 has been a hard financial year for Daily Kos. Donations of just a few dollars from our readers and activists helps us pay the bills. Please support progressive news and activism by making a donation of $5 today. [Chip in $5]( If you wish to donate by mail instead, please send a check to Daily Kos, PO Box 70036, Oakland, CA, 94612. Contributions to Daily Kos are not tax deductible. Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Daily Kos, please [click here](.