GOP Hopes You Don't Notice That Speaker Nominee Mike Johnson Is A Dangerous Extremist

The big selling point for Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) to Republicans is that nobody knows him, but what we know about his views on democracy and freedom is troubling.

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Three Things To Know About Republican Speaker Nominee Rep. Mike Johnson

1). Johnson refused to answer questions about Ukraine - According to Bloomberg’s Steven Dennis, “Mike Johnson wouldn't answer the question about Ukraine last night. It divides Rs just about 50/50.”

Ukraine is a big issue that needs to be resolved. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has made getting a promise on aid for Ukraine a condition of any Democratic promise to sit out a future House Speaker election.

Johnson’s non-answer should be interpreted to mean that he will oppose aid to Ukraine, but he won’t say it out loud because doing so would cause the pro-Ukraine House Republicans to reject his candidacy.

Anyone who opposes aid to Ukraine, which isn’t really aid to Ukraine, but money that is used to replace US stockpiles which creates jobs in 38 states should raise alarm bells.

The non-answer signals an opposition to democracy.

2). Mike Johnson is an anti-freedom extremist - After Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) got booted from the Speaker race for supporting gay marriage, it was clear which direction House Republicans were going in with their next nominee for Speaker.

House Republicans want an anti-freedom extremist, and in Johnson, they may have found their person.