President Biden recently had an unusual encounter with a reporter. In it, he referred to House Speaker Mike Johnson as “dead on arrival.” The incident occurred shortly after Biden urged Congress to implement term limits and establish a code of conduct for the Supreme Court.
Earlier that day, Mike Johnson issued a statement criticizing Biden’s proposal. He labeled it as a drastic attempt to “radically overhaul the U.S. Supreme Court.” Johnson further argued that such changes would disrupt the balance of power and undermine the rule of law.
Biden and Johnson Clash Over Supreme Court Reforms
Notably, Mike Johnson is a Republican from Louisiana. And yes, he suggested that Biden’s initiative was part of a broader effort by the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional Democrats. According to him, they are looking to undermine the legitimacy of the Supreme Court. He also predicted that calls to expand and pack the Court would soon resurface.
In addition, Johnson criticized Democrats for seeking to alter a system that has been in place since the nation’s founding. All because of what, you ask? Well, because they disagree with some recent Supreme Court decisions.
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He warned that the Biden-Harris Administration’s proposal to reform the Supreme Court would not succeed in the House. Elsewhere, Biden seemed confused when a reporter asked for his reaction to Johnson’s remarks after his arrival in Austin, Texas.
The reporter inquired about Johnson’s statement, saying, “House Speaker Johnson says your Supreme Court reform is “dead on arrival.” What’s your reaction, sir?” Biden responded by asking who commented. Upon hearing that it was Speaker Johnson, Biden remarked, “I think that’s what he is.”
Biden and Johnson’s Relationship
After Biden’s response, he vowed to find a way to get his proposed Supreme Court changes passed. About an hour later, during a speech, he clarified his previous comments, noting that he was referring to Johnson’s perspective, stating, “The Republican Speaker of the House said whatever he proposes is dead on arrival. I think his thinking is dead on arrival.”
According to Democrats, Johnson is more useful than his predecessor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy. The White House has been careful not to overtly antagonize Johnson, deliberately deferring most of the campaign-style attacks on his background.
When Johnson was elected, administration officials, like much of Washington and the political world, decided to learn about him. And from the reports, Johnson’s interactions with the White House have been essentially nonexistent.
According to Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden wants to work in good faith with whoever the speaker is—it happens to be Johnson, who wants to deliver for the American people. Just so you know, Biden and Johnson have rarely talked. They don’t even know each other, plus they are decades apart in age and miles apart in political philosophy.
Mike Johnson As a Counterpoint to Biden’s Administration
Biden and Johnson’s lack of a meaningful relationship is the major reason behind their political friction and standstills over the past few months. This issue has added strain to the nation’s government.
Elsewhere, Johnson’s allies say his direct demeanor will make him a good counterpoint to the administration. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., noted that Johnson is a straight shooter, not naive or game-playing.
Other Republicans have noted that Mike Johnson’s biggest strength is that he has yet to burn bridges with anyone on either side of the aisle. According to Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., the same qualities that helped Johnson get elected are what will help him negotiate with the president.
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