In a recent interview with CBS’ Margaret Brennan, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, refrained from explicitly acknowledging Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Despite acknowledging President Biden’s certification and three years in office, Johnson continued to assert that the Constitution was “clearly violated” in the lead-up to the election, primarily due to changes in election laws made by states in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mike Johnson’s Role in Legal Challenges
Johnson’s ascent to the top House position in October brought attention to his involvement in legal efforts to challenge Biden’s win. A constitutional lawyer, Johnson played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in collecting signatures from over 60% of House Republicans for an amicus brief supporting a Texas lawsuit. The lawsuit, which alleged widespread election irregularities without presenting concrete evidence, sought to have results voided in four crucial states.
Former Representative Liz Cheney criticized Johnson in her new book, accusing him of playing a “destructive role” and being less than honest with colleagues. According to Cheney, Johnson assured members that the brief made no specific claims of fraud, while, in reality, it was filled with such claims. Johnson dismissed Cheney’s criticism, citing her collaboration with Democrats on the January 6 select committee, which he believes further politicized the issue.
Johnson Extends State of the Union Invitation Amidst Controversy
Despite the controversy surrounding Johnson’s stance on the 2020 election, he extended an invitation to President Biden to deliver the State of the Union address on March 7. In a letter emphasizing his duty to extend the invitation during a critical moment for the country, Johnson acknowledged the challenges the nation faces.
The State of the Union address, an annual speech given by the president to a joint session of Congress, holds particular significance as Biden seeks re-election in the upcoming November 5 election. Responding to the invitation on social media, Biden expressed his anticipation for the upcoming speech, creating a dynamic juxtaposition against the backdrop of Johnson’s controversial position on the election results.
Questions Surround Johnson’s Working Relationship with President Biden
With Johnson’s refusal to explicitly affirm the legitimacy of the 2020 election, questions arise about how effectively he can work with President Biden. When pressed by Brennan on this matter, Johnson dismissed it as “water under the bridge” and emphasized his dedication to working with the current president. However, his underlying goal remains ensuring that Biden serves only one term, as he perceives the president to be an “abject failure” in his role as commander-in-chief.
Johnson’s complex stance on the 2020 election continues to generate attention, raising concerns about the potential impact on his working relationship with President Biden. Despite the controversy, the invitation for Biden to deliver the State of the Union address adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing political dynamics, marking a delicate balance between political differences and the ceremonial traditions of the nation’s highest office.