
<p>Despite the Democrats and their media flunkies going on a full-scale demonization of the new House Speaker Mike Johnson, it appears to me that the GOP has found the right guy for the moment.</p>



<p>Democrats claim that Johnson is some sort of maniacal rightwing extremist. ; In reality, he is a rock-solid principled conservative – which those on the left see as … a ; maniacal rightwing extremist. ; He is called an election denier for his efforts to secure recounts in the 2020 election – and his vote to not certify the results of the Electoral College vote. ; He certainly had concerns about the vote count at the time – but nothing he did was illegal, unconstitutional, or out of line with actions taken by political operatives in past elections.</p>



<p>What struck me most about Johnson was his Reagan-esque quality. ; Even CNN’s Chuck Todd – who never met a conservative he would not attack – described Johnson as having a pleasant personality – not given to the harsh crossfire rhetoric that has come to characterize modern political discourse. ; Todd went on to say that Johnson is able to address controversial issues convincingly and without acrimony. ;</p>



<p>While he is firm in his beliefs, he respects the opinions of others. That means he can be a unifier for the House Republicans and an effective negotiator with Democrats.</p>



<p>Considering the chaotic process that ended the speakership of Kevin McCarty – and doomed the elections of four more prominent candidates for Speaker – Johnson received a strong mandate from House Republicans by winning the speakership by a unanimous vote – something that did not happen for a Republican since the election of Speaker John Boehner in 2011.</p>



<p>While he is called an “extremist” – even an “uber extremist” by MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski – Johnson’s beliefs and principles are shared by at least half of the American public.  ;He itemized them in his speech as Individual liberty, limited government, free enterprise, strong national defense, traditional values, rule-of-law and American exceptionalism. ; He called them both conservative values and basic American values – although I fear some on the left do not embrace them.</p>



<p>Still … it was important that he remind the people of his and millions of American’s core values. ; They are the foundation upon which issues are examined and policies determined.</p>



<p>Johnson declared that the House is “back in business.” ; While critics see the manner in which the Speaker’s chair was vacated and eventually filled as an indication of dysfunction, and will make it harder – even impossible in the judgment of some critics – to maintain control of the House after the 2024 elections.</p>



<p>More likely, serious issues and unanticipated events will put this temporary tempest in a teapot into the political rearview mirror. ; Johnson’s leadership – and the performance of the Republican majority – will be judged on that happens in the future. ; And the change of Speaker will not be on the minds of voters heading to the polls in a year from now.</p>



<p>Like Reagan before him, Johnson has strong beliefs but pursues them without rancor. ; Also, like Reagan, Johnson is a very effective public communicator – something McCarthy lacked.</p>



<p>As did Reagan, Johnson seems to understand that beliefs—no matter how strongly held – need to be tempered in the negotiating process. ; Winning 80 percent is better than losing 100 percent. ; He demonstrated this in his comments directed to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries – saying that despite disagreements on policy, they can work together for the benefit of the American people.</p>



<p>In the spirit that no one gets everything they want, I have my one issue disagreement with the new Speaker. ; He has previously opposed more money for Ukraine. ; I believe that is a huge mistake. ; But … based on his pledge to not operate as an authoritarian Speaker, who might refuse to bring such important issues to the floor, I trust that the aid will get a vote and be approved by Congress.</p>



<p>As the months go by, I suspect that – like Reagan – Johnson will become more and more popular with the people despite the left’s efforts to demonize him. ;</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

House Republicans finally get it right
