Speaker Johnson is no puppet—whether Harris or Trump wins, he will certify the 2024 election without hesitation, shattering any fantasies of electoral rebellion.
As
the rumor mill churns with speculation about Mike Johnson, the newly elected
Speaker of the House, one thing stands out: he has quickly become a lightning
rod for controversy. Some on the extreme left are pushing a narrative that
Johnson, a staunch ally of Donald Trump, might refuse to certify the 2024
election results if Trump loses. But is there any truth to these rumors, or are
they just political fearmongering?
To
set the record straight, let’s start with who Speaker Johnson really is. Known
for his deep religious convictions and principled stance on governance, Johnson
is not the caricature that some critics are painting. While it’s true that he
supported efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election, he has since
made it clear that, as Speaker, he will ensure the election results are handled
fairly and constitutionally, whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins the
2024 race.
During
an interview, Johnson emphasized that if the 2024 election is free, fair, and
legal, he will certify the results without hesitation. His exact words were,
"Of course, if we have a free, fair, and safe election, we’re going to
follow the Constitution"—a clear commitment to the democratic process.
This statement alone should put to rest some of the anxiety being stoked by
certain media outlets and political figures, yet for many, his role in the 2020
election challenges continues to cast a long shadow.
It’s
important to remember, however, that political leaders evolve, and Johnson’s
track record as Speaker so far reflects a man more concerned with doing his job
than with partisan theatrics. In fact, Johnson’s recent success in navigating
the House to secure $61 billion in funding for Ukraine and $4 billion for
Israel stands in stark contrast to Trump’s opposition to these measures.
Johnson pushed these bills through without triggering a government shutdown,
signaling his ability to balance competing interests—even when they conflict
with Trump’s preferences. This act alone showcases a leader who is pragmatic,
methodical, and capable of making independent decisions, even under pressure.
There’s
no doubt that Trump views Johnson as a useful ally. But if Trump assumes that
Johnson will bend to his every whim if he returns to power, he may be in for a
rude awakening. Johnson is a man of faith and principles, and those principles
may very well guide him in a different direction than Trump anticipates. Should
Kamala Harris win, Johnson’s response might surprise Democrats as well, proving
that his commitment is to the Constitution, not to any political figure.
The
fear surrounding Johnson’s role in the 2024 election largely stems from the
fact that he was instrumental in contesting the 2020 results. As a
constitutional lawyer, he spearheaded efforts to object to Biden’s victory in
several states, citing concerns about how pandemic-related voting changes were
handled. However, it’s crucial to note that Johnson also condemned the violence
of January 6th and has acknowledged Biden as the legitimate president, which
shows a nuanced approach to the very issues that many of his critics fear.
Another
point of concern has been Johnson’s close ties to the MAGA movement and his
conservative views. His deep religious faith and social conservatism, which
align closely with Trump’s base, fuel fears that he may prioritize partisan
interests over democracy itself. Yet, for those who understand Johnson’s
background, this perspective misses a key element of his character. Johnson’s
faith is rooted in the idea of justice and fairness. It is highly unlikely that
he would tarnish his reputation by subverting the will of the voters.
Some
Democratic leaders have expressed their concerns, with House Minority Leader
Hakeem Jeffries reportedly speaking privately with colleagues about potential
strategies for the 2024 certification process. Their worry? That Johnson, given
his past, could play a pivotal role in disrupting the electoral process if the
results don’t favor Trump. Yet Johnson’s assurances, combined with his recent
actions in Congress, suggest otherwise. He’s proven to be more pragmatic than
many initially believed, deftly handling a divided House and delivering
legislative victories without bowing to hardline demands from any one faction.
As
we look ahead to 2025, the question isn’t just whether Johnson will certify the
election results—it’s whether the fears being stoked around him are justified
or merely the result of political theater. Johnson has already shown that he
can handle immense pressure without falling into partisan traps, and his track
record as Speaker suggests that he will continue to act in accordance with the
law, not the whims of any political group.
In
the end, both Trump and Harris may find themselves caught off guard by Speaker
Johnson. Trump might expect a loyal foot soldier, only to find a leader who
follows his own moral compass. Harris, should she win, may anticipate
resistance, but could instead encounter a man who upholds the Constitution, no
matter who occupies the White House.
It’s
been said that “a man of principle is a man who refuses to lie, even when the
whole world would prefer him to do so.” If Johnson’s principles guide him as
they have in the past, then those waiting for him to play the role of Trump’s
puppet or Harris’ antagonist might be in for a surprise. After all, even in
politics, not every rumor holds water. And sometimes, the quiet, methodical
leaders are the ones who surprise us the most.
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