A New Speaker of the House Takes the Reins. Can He Make The Place Function?

Mike Johnson emerges as the 65th Speaker of the US House of Representatives with the lowest possible expectations. For three weeks, the Republican caucus has been paralyzed by such intense infighting that they have jettisoned four — four! — Speaker nominees, with many analysts concluding that the caucus is simply unmanageable and has little interest in the details of governing.

If Johnson can survive the remainder of the session, until December 2024, without offending a handful of members and inspiring a “motion to vacate” the Speaker’s chair, and if he can help the party hold onto or expand its narrow majority, he will be considered a miracle worker.

Below: I discuss my first impressions of him and his agenda, Democrats’ and anti-Trump spin on his election. Recent and long-term history of the Speaker position.