The Atlantic: What if Mike Johnson is actually good at this?

The Atlantic's Elaina Plott Calabro joins Morning Joe to discuss her latest reporting on House Speaker Mike Johnson.
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#mikejohnson #speaker #housespeaker

[@eddieavila1081]

Sorry, Mike Johnson doing the bare minimum doesn't somehow make him "actually good at this?"

[@crashoverride2345]

He has though proven to be able to pass legislation without worry of losing his job, or convern for the ire of Dozing Donny and the Twitter faction of the GOP. He may be proving to be more savvy than many of us had hoped, and that is potentially dangerous for this country. He may be the new Mitch McConnell.

[@K-Kori]

Agreed. But he's leagues better than the alternative. Next in line is literally just a sock puppet glued to mtgs hand. Electing a new gop speaker is out of the question. It is time they play the same games republicans have been playing for six years and present whatever dirt they need to in order to force a resignation to claim the majority. The nation cannot sustain under more of their nonsense.

[@lesliezammit3456]

Well, if anyone really thinks that may be true have got just over 7 months to make their case, before the anointed one disappears into obscurity or a prison cell. Personally, I wouldn't waste any brain cells on it.

[@collinporterfield102]

@@lesliezammit3456a

[@bjohnson1085]

Willy is correct! Johnson’s Jan 6 actions didn’t pass sniff test!

[@tonydebono8787]

The only credible part of that whole "interview"!

[@GRIZZ-sb1zt]

WHAT REPUBLICAN COULD?

[@HuskyOwner-bl1jf]

Please stop trying to give Mike Johnson credit for getting the aid bill passed He did everything he could to stall it until he couldn't anymore Now he wants credit for doing the thing that he should have done 7 months ago Hearing him say that he respects free speech almost made me throw up He doesn't. Period There is no redeeming quality to Mike Johnson He's just terrible at his job

[@Itcouldbebunnies]

Being good at this doesn't make him any less of a traitor or fundie lunatic.

[@benjaminhenderson5025]

Thats pretty much what makes him perfect for bipartisan participation in selling out america to Raytheon.

[@eric2500]

Good at this? Just because he has not been tossed yet? I remember when we expected more than the bare minimum from Congress!

[@ginafoster990]

He is a wolf in sheeps clothing. He is the Representative of my district and has done absolutely nothing for northwest Louisiana, except pad his pockets. Do not put your trust or faith in this man !💯👹💩

[@WhatHaveIMade]

He's not. It's not a coincidence that his U-turn on Ukraine happened after his son enrolled in a military academy. Like most conservatives Mike Johnson only cares about an issue if it could affect him personally. When it was pointed out that US inaction could lead to having to send American troops over to fight in the future, suddenly it mattered.

[@georgechickful]

Suddenly they believe the security briefings. As if you should need security briefings to see American self interest. Simply buying European stability, because instability has knock on effects on the US. US ain't trading with Moscow like it does with Europe.

[@maryjoanhewitt1560]

My sentiments exactly!

[@CarolEdmonds-pk7hr]

I’m with you,WhatHaveIMade!!! He did it for PURELY selfish reasons!!

[@unconventionalideas5683]

Johnson did not u-turn then. He was convinced much earlier. I could tell based on the changes in his rhetoric. He was just struggling to bring a bill that wouldn't result in a revolt against him by his own party.

[@realtalk7685]

GOP needs to reprogram themselves for governance and not just opposition and trolling on social media.

[@sclogse1]

FOLLOW THE MONEY

[@Blacks4trump2024]

"Reprogram" ok big brother

[@SuperRede4u]

​@@Blacks4trump2024Adlinthin cofveve much?

[@Blacks4trump2024]

@@SuperRede4u Today, 538 launched our interactive polling averages for the 2024 presidential general election. They show incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump essentially tied in national polls and Trump with a tenuous lead in key swing states.

[@user-pn5vm7zx2q]

It's the Christian holy rollers that are a lot of the problems in the GOP. .

[@AmelioTube]

The moment Trump strung 5 words together and sounded semi-coherent the media rushed in to declare that he looked "presidential" - it took that little to sway them. Here we go again, elevating someone who has been a willing participant in this Congress' dysfunction simply because he showed up part of one week and actually did the minimum expected for his position (with massive help from the Dems).

[@georgechickful]

This^^ all day and night. Very much the bare minimum. Nobody ever points out to the GOP reps, how much they and their staff cost per year and what they have to show for it.

[@michaeldiogenesbest6127]

"Enjoy your free speech." While you are still allowed........

[@seandowning5918]

Exactly, as if!

[@dicksonavon456]

It did very much sound like, just wait you're going to soon lose that right, when he said that...

[@juju-xx5xn]

That's exactly what I thought too.

[@benjaminhenderson5025]

When both sides of the aisle tell you your not allowed to talk about something you know thats when its vital that you do.

[@toonlyrics]

I agree, the commentators failed to pick up on thar.

[@janiekcarney5482]

MTG knew she didn’t have the votes to get rid of Speaker Johnson.

[@undertow2142]

She was put on notice that a few republicans would resign if she vacated him. This would give the dems the majority. With the majority (according to the Supreme Court) they could vote trump, Moscow Marge, and the all the others who did Jan 6 as insurrectionists and kick them all off the ballots. They would all be disqualified from ever holding office again. This is why Trump wouldn’t back her.

[@michaeldiogenesbest6127]

You can never really trust TRUMp's Johnson........

[@eric2500]

Not even tRump can trust his johnson...😏 We could go on - certainly no woman should EVER trust tRump's johnson, or his Johnson !😁

[@SnoozeAddict]

Never!

[@aaronbertram1951]

I think it shows just how bad Kevin McCarthy was.

[@jillionairess]

It should show what a bad decision maker Mad Marge is. She backed both of them. Someone should ask her about her ability to read a man's character.

[@spiceyhotpot]

Or that Republicans are no longer interested in, or capable, of governing.

[@HuskyOwner-bl1jf]

@@jillionairess She knows their character That is why she picked them She didn't want a competent Speaker She wanted someone she could control

[@NYx3]

We should not under estimate Mike's johnson. He could be the next Mitch McConnell with a much more extreme fascist theocratic agenda. Imagine someone like Marge only smart and able to push their agenda. Go look up Project 2025.

[@NYx3]

When you say bad to you mean at his job or his ideology? In fact Mike's Johnson is far more dangerous and he could be the next Mitch McConnell but with a much more extreme and radical right wing agenda.

[@Crayzeecatlady]

Mike Johnson has got to go! Vote Blue let’s take back the House.

[@JoSeF...]

The new blue is like the old red

[@fra6215]

Vote Cultist Blue!

[@brandon3525]

blue cheats. I'm voting red.

[@SnoozeAddict]

Yes! Vote blue down the ballot! 🇺🇸💙

[@JoSeF...]

@@SnoozeAddict the new blue is like the old red

[@richardsherwood9530]

Mike Johnson is very good at this. And he's the one who can mess with the Jan 6 Electoral College Vote Count. He was a huge big lie supporter and organizer. Scary stuff. Keep a very serious watch on this guy.

[@cnuque76]

I was just thinking about this!!! This is a strategic play. He spoke with Trump. Democrats shouldn't let their guard down. He needs a handful of them to save his job if he does get another call to be ousted. They have a slim margin...he needs one or two votes

[@rl95719]

I'm not going to champion Mike Johnson. The goal post has moved so far to the right that being a decent human being is rare on the right. Making the occasional "right" decision is not cause for celebration. We cannot give up ground to these nuts.

[@georgechickful]

Just because the bar is sub surface, it's skewed the perspective.

[@cnuque76]

This is a strategic play. Trump wants him there this November to put into question the validity of the election if Trump loses. They will capitulate a little bit so if he does gets another call to be ousted there will be some democrats to save his butt

[@cnuque76]

We have not heard Trump complain about him in a minute. His meeting with Johnson means somethings in play here below the surface. Democrats shouldn't let their guard down

[@user-sp3nw7bn2r]

😂😂😂 Mike Johnson actually good at this. 😂😂😂 that’s a good one.

[@juju-xx5xn]

I wish the media would just STOP giving Johnson too much credit. He doesn't deserve it.

[@georgechickful]

Oh the Johnson rehabilitation is on, is it. What happened with the adopted child and the lack of a bank account. Seems to have been forgotten. Just cause Kevin was worse, doesn't make this guy a profile in courage.

[@tonydebono8787]

Watching Morning Joe do a rehab piece on a fascist like Mike Johnson is just SO on-brand for ol' Joey Scars and crew 😂😂

[@SnoozeAddict]

Well they are republicans so ofc they will take any opportunity to pat a republican on the back. The Republican Party has been destroyed.

[@dr.victorvs]

While engaging in whataboutism about some of the worst crimes in history 😂 That's a Reagan conservative for you. No wonder the others turned MAGA.

[@noinfo326]

@@dr.victorvs WOW! So your ignorance is so clear!

[@jameskennedy8329]

@@noinfo326You a bot?

[@noinfo326]

@@jameskennedy8329 Nope! Read some of his other comments.

[@jillionairess]

Johnson trumped Trump AND Mad Marge in the same week. I'm not a fan but I do recognize a good outmaneuvering when I see it.

[@DavidJ222]

True that.

[@Ryan-Fkrepublicnz]

Marge the bounty hunter

[@Ryan-Fkrepublicnz]

It wasn't Johnson, it was the Democratic party telling him to get Ukraine aid done

[@HuskyOwner-bl1jf]

You do realize that he ran to Trump for permission before bringing the aid bill to the floor? He had no choice and made sure to keep the tangerine tyrant in the loop before doing it

[@AZbluedot196]

"gangsta recognize gangsta", Snoop Dogg 🤣

[@dr.victorvs]

The existence of crimes around the world is not an excuse for the US government to fund one. What makes this one different is that we have power over the perpetrators.

[@noinfo326]

What crimes of the world are you talking about? Which ones do you not think should be funded? Your comment is very vague.

[@georgechickful]

@@noinfo326 Joe's nonsense about Syria and Saddam.

[@tishzlyrea]

But the protest is about the killings of innocent civilians by the Israeli’s under Netanyahu in Gaza…what is wrong with that?

[@bholdr----0]

I gotta call out Joe's 'What about-ism' in how he tries to compare Israel to Hussain and Assad, asking why the currently protesting students didn't react as strongly to those dictators' war crimes.... -First, those students were children, or not even born, when those atrocities happened. (How dare they remain silent!) -Second, and more importantly, nobody expects murderous dictators' not to be murderers and war criminals! While Israel, a DEMOCRACY should be held to a higher standard, right? C'mon Joe, that was a bunch of B.S. You're usually above such obvious fallacies.

[@mac888spectral7]

The GOP clings to the House by a thought, a prayer, and a Tiny Johnson.

[@DavidJ222]

😂😂

[@brendajohnson3173]

Now that's witty

[@georgejetson9801]

nice they removed the app ad at the end.

[@littlejerryseinfeld4168]

lol it was making me hate the velsh, and i dont wanna hate the velsh

[@Maximoto02]

The ol' "Shaddap" lady agreeing to right of free speech.

[@Caedo12]

Yeah, he’s truly a master at following Trump’s lead, strategically delaying the Ukrainian aid bill for months, leading to countless civilian casualties. And then, with the world watching, he suddenly decides it’s urgent and crucial to pass it, all while keeping a poker face. Impressive display of efficiency, albeit a tad tardy. I’m glad MSNBC is happy, but if I worked like he does, I wouldn’t even get a “Meets Expectations” rating. 😂

[@cnuque76]

He capitulated so that he can gain some Democrat's votes if he does get another call to be ousted. Trump wants him there come November

[@eric2500]

Why didn't he say this 5 months ago? HMM? Didn't he believe in peace through strength 5 months ago?

[@justsayin...2784]

Being good at doing something should not be confused with doing something good. McConnell was a prime example of that... ...yeah, this guy is on the rise to replace him. And the media is primed to help that happen.

[@joelharris4399]

When your job is on the line, on the chopping block, it makes you do things man. Hmm

[@davidcunningham1206]

Sure, he managed to get some legislation passed, but one good act shouldn’t make us forget his personal and policy beliefs, nor can we forget his previous actions.

[@mr.winkie]

No. Lil MAGA Johnson is NOT good at being Speaker.

[@dasstigma]

1:29 His head shaking shows what he really thinks when saying what he's saying.

[@user-ii3zi5uk7c]

Joe, your implicit bias as a Christian is blinding bruv.

[@SoJustAsk]

I am glad that Mike Johnson finally decided to walk his talk and not cower to MAGA. He's a man, not perfect, but I just had a feeling about him that he would find his core values again.

[@user-el2lv2vb6i]

By implication Joe, sounds like you’re saying the protesters should shut up…really? Agree or not, protest is necessary to democracy. Shame on you for inferring they are wrong. I thought you better than such a position.

[@busdriversprayer]

We respect your free speech as long as you conform

[@gathrightcrystal]

Were did you people study the constitution and law

[@user-cj6lm8ob5j]

He regards himself as a Reagan conservative. Not much of a self immage then. Not much for morals, ethics or integrity.

[@kennethquintini658]

Hakeem Jeffries is a great leader for the speaker of the house and vote Biden/Harris 2024🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@ellasabe6377]

Tread carefully, Morning Joe team: Mike may have an interesting life and diplomatic demeanor, but you have to LISTEN closely to his views on POLICY, the election events of 2020, and remember that he not pnly refuses to accept that Joseph Biden was fairly elected, but he stands 10 toes down for DJT. While his civility is appreciated in such tense times as these, let us not be seduced by how affable the outer countenance comes across. If Trump comes to power, he will support him in all things.

[@dbmorton1114]

I will never forget how badly Moses Mike wanted to clap for Biden and all he was saying during the last State of the Union but he couldn’t because MAGA would have crucified him. Not really a profile in courage, but given the state of his party, he’s practically sane.

[@madboyreadynow28]

You can’t not be a Reagan Republican and a MAGA Republican at the same time. They’re both very different. president Reaganwould have gone all in 100% on what’s happening in Ukraine and would not have been a coward like Obama was when this started in 2014. From that moment we should have sent weapons and training to help Ukraine to defend against any further action. We saw how T responded to Ukraine. This falls on the previous 2 presidents. Obama and T. I am a Democrat saying this. Both parties failed.

[@jillionairess]

MAGA Republicans aren't conservatives. They are opportunists.

[@suziecue3027]

2014 what?? There's something I don't know about.. I wasn't involved in politics then ...

[@Kayweg]

@@suziecue3027 Russia annexing the Krim peninsula.

[@SuperRede4u]

​@@suziecue3027It was when the orcs (Russia) illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine. See "little green men" for how this happened. Further, they also had the same operation in the Donbas during the same time frame.

[@madboyreadynow28]

@@suziecue3027 I wasn’t alive in 1867 but I can read snd understand history. You don’t have to be in politics to understand history or how the current events happing in the world started. Like what’s happening in Gaza. The media is pretending this is new and it just started in 2023. It did not. This conflict has been going on for thousands of years and every president since 1948. This is history. You have never heard the phrase, “Peace in the Middle East”?

[@hettiekerkdijk7766]

I see the 'shut up' woman 😂

[@locktrump45up]

The current version of Mike Johnson sounds a lot more like Biden than Trump when addressing protestors or hecklers. Earlier in his speakership, he'd instead just be silently shaking his head and maybe closing his eyes.

[@idontlikeit.7822]

Keep shilling you two. The speaker is your kind of people

[@celiasalsa8871]

Since he voted to overthrow our democracy I’ll say thanks but no thanks!

[@12MVX]

Joe, your critique of the pro Palestinian protesters on campuses is disgusting. You have been missing the plot for some time, but this is cherry on top.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

They are no longer uniformly pro-Palestinian protestors. As the protests have escalated, there have been assaults, thefts, and instances of assaults and trespassing. It needs to stop, and there needs to be some measure of sanity to these protests. Scarborough doesn't think that what Netanyahu is doing is good. But assaults, vandalism and thefts are not going to fix any of that.

[@duallydiligent6128]

Even a blind squirrel can find a nut. Compared to some of the lions that have held the gig, he's a clever boy in his father's suit.

[@cynthiamarie2107]

Supporting hamas is the opposite of supporting the Palestinian people.

[@banditdog1338]

Nobody likes to admit they Fked up.

[@Muttinchopsforeverandalways]

House Speaker mike is still a weak Johnson

[@kennethgreifer5123]

He is not a Reagan Republican. Reagan would give everything he could to help Ukraine against Russia. This guy fought against helping Ukraine for a long time.

[@Mike-fx1eu]

Really?

[@0zyris]

All happy about the shouty ad at the end gone! Yay!

[@sabrinalacey283]

Nice job Mike.

[@ericlindblad3916]

Hint: he’s not.

[@scottbarham8455]

He's very strong rhetorically, and certainly more intelligent and effective then his detractors are willing to admit

[@au3264]

I thought that we just promised ourselfs to not be naif again.

[@user-ks4hp5bg9s]

Don't get all starry-eyed. Johnson is far smarter than Hump, but just as dangerous.

[@user-ii3zi5uk7c]

The same dude that supported trump coup?

[@brentduanefoster]

Do not do this!!! Johnson basically had to be FORCED to do this.

[@epochchange6803]

Johnson voted against certifying the election. After it failed he had to reel himself in, but still chose to go to Mar-a-lago and bend the knee to Dump. But now he has to do the right thing by the American people. He's squirming but trying not to show it.

[@bobbyjones8583]

To be fair now, to be fair… Mikes on the the right side of this. Just hate that he played with it politically for so wrong.

[@davidparnell1893]

This "couple" remind me of Edith and Archie...he speaks over and interrupts her repeatedly. Is this not a concern for MSNBC? What does this say about MSNBC management's culture?

[@whatwhat745]

"We did a thing!" Mike Johnson

[@MsCarolynseah]

Did she speak to Liz Cheney? How journalists shift with the wind.

[@chuckoneill2023]

Sorry, Joe, but being against Israeli war strategy isn't antisemitism. It also isn't "pro-Hamas".

[@unconventionalideas5683]

No, it's not. But the developments in the protests recently have moved away from that into more sinister territory. While most protestors may not want that, they are unable to totally disavow it or prevent it.

[@chuckoneill2023]

@@unconventionalideas5683 There have been quite a few external agitators infiltrating the protests. And our ineffectual speaker of the house should be ridiculed wherever he goes.

[@Sandi-ke9mi]

Would you be asking that if he didn’t have a son going to a military Academy…that was his reason for not wanting to keep Ukraine from getting aid. If he didn’t have a son that might be affected, he would have done what trump wanted him to. He’s no hero. 🙄💙🇺🇸

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

*INCOME TAX REVENUE* *up 47% as a result of the Trump TAX CUTS*

[@Muttinchopsforeverandalways]

That skink is overpowering and where is it coming from said the bailiff to the Judge . The judge replied there's definitely an odor in the court

[@sclogse1]

Stink

[@waeljallad671]

Opposition head Yair Lapid attacked Netanyahu for not giving any new information while inducing anxiety among Israelis for an unusual address during Shabbat "How can Israel's prime minister send an entire nation into a frenzy for an unusual Friday night statement only to then say nothing on the hostages, the North, the evacuations," Lapid charged. "A prime minister should not make these statements unless he has new information." Dec 17, 2023 - Netanyahu reportedly complained to ministers today about the name “Swords of Iron,” saying it's fitting for a military operation but not

[@slangster233]

Power attracts power junkies. Power junkies attract petty tyrants. Petty tyrants attract sycophants, the least attractive of all.

[@LivingWithCognitiveDissonance]

MSNBC! Johnson must go. Dems should denounce him publicly after his disgraceful scolding of the university protests. Edit: Democrats should bring the motion vacating him from his seat today!

[@MAgaSUXX]

I think he means well… I hope he continues to do the right thing like he did with the foreign aid package. Let’s give him a chance.

[@eric2500]

FORMER PRESIDENT! Mika, correct your speech I know you know better!!!!

[@drewdavid9672]

Yeah he'll be good at passing laws that the sky wizard says to pass

[@CarlDalach-px4cj]

Well he surprised me. He had the guts Kevin never had. I don't think Margie has the votes ti remove him. He got this important aid done, after the delay caused by MAGA s3verely weakened Ukraines effort. Ukraine may still have a chance. May as well keep Mike until January.

[@TrixiLovesYou]

He's really good at wasting time, I'll give you that.

[@jamesgreenler8225]

That MAGA Mike remains speaker after the next election cycle is an awful awfully large assumption 😐

[@burchillwendton8754]

Why did you take so long to do the right thing

[@michaelbayer5094]

Hamas treated Palestinians under their rule horribly. Hamas denied them democratic and human rights, and did nothing to improve their economic situation. Hamas committed atrocities on 10/7 and before. It denies that Israel has a right to exist and believes that any action against Israel is legitimate. All these are wrong and deserve condemnation. However, every wrong thing Hamas has done is NOT a license for Israel to wipe out the Palestinian people in Gaza. To deny them food and medicine. Just because Israel is not as bad as Hamas does not absolve it from wrong-doing. Just because Bibi is better at manipulation American media and drawing on the decades-long good-will Americans have toward Israel should not mean he should not be held accountable.

[@sharonmontag2389]

Johnson is a younger McConnell

[@guff9567]

People need to ask what Johnson has been doing with underage children

[@gcchair7634]

Shut up Joe.

[@chuckkuhn3265]

War monger not a republican

[@I-Have-Fire]

How does Mike Johnson define “strength”? I feel like I would like Mike Johnson even though I think he is wrong about many things. For example the US is not, in my opinion, a Christian nation. Without argument, most of the founding fathers would have “identified” as Christian. What he does have is a sense of ethics and he is reasonable. Democrats should work with all reasonable people - there has been enough tribalism.

[@abdifatahali-nm5gu]

Msnbc students have freedom of speach

[@gdhanley]

If Loony Tunes Moscow Marge don’t like him. Then I like him

[@7nawt7]

What if we stop preserving republicans care to keep democracy running? When the Grinch says he is done Grinching, you don’t start contemplating all the good that will come! You say, that great, but do that 💩 over there somewhere. We are through.

[@mikeycuzz]

"enjoy your free speech... that I came here specifically to stop" spoiler alert: he is NOT good at this. ask the families of the dead Ukrainians that died ONLY because he prolonged the inevitable so long

[@mikehappy2620]

Not on penny for border security. Johnson is great for democrats.

[@catherinewilliams9680]

Make up your mind. Is Mike Johnson a menace or not?

[@jldlott]

Is House Speaker Mike Johnson good at anything?

[@charlesnagyiii8938]

Where did you study spelling

[@mark140363]

Sure. Procrastination.

[@Muttinchopsforeverandalways]

Kissing Trump's Brown ring and avoiding MTG

[@sclogse1]

He's smooth.

[@michaelmccluskey4940]

Besides that whole help Trump illegitimately hold on to power thing. This guy is one of the worst out of some really creepy Republicans.

[@muleface1066]

None of which is an excuse for genocide. And nothing the protesters chanted, whether you agree or not, was unlawful.

[@Phoenix-nl2ut]

Johnson is spineless

[@andreac-iheartcrossstitch]

Joe, these are different students then the students at the other times you referenced.

[@fred_fred_fred]

Ok then get that border bill back and get it passed.