I suspect most people — or at least most Republicans — heaved a sigh of relief Wednesday afternoon when the House GOP finally got its…stuff…together and elected a Speaker after 22 days without one.
While few people likely had Mike Johnson on their Bingo card, the general consensus once he secured the votes was that he was a solid conservative choice — much to the horror of the Democrats who helped bring about his speakership by voting to oust Kevin McCarthy three weeks ago.
Which is why his speech after he won the speakership not only struck the right notes but was particularly ingenious. Addressing the full Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, Johnson pointed to scripture, noting that “God is the one that raises up those in authority” and emphasizing that “He raised up each of you, all of us…that God has ordained and allowed each of us to be brought here for this specific moment and this time.”
And in highlighting his belief that each of his colleagues — not just those in his party — has been called by God to this time and this place, Johnson reminded them of the huge responsibility that comes with that calling. For some, that undoubtedly fell on deaf ears. But for those still reachable — who believe in something greater than themselves — how could they really argue with this “extreme conservative” asserting they’re right where God wants them to be?
This “Moore to the Point” commentary aired on NewsTalkSTL on Friday, October 27. Audio included below.
