# The Great Ongoing Revolving Speakership of the 118th Congress {Mike Johnson is new speaker as of 2023-10-25} **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 12, 2023, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432 "2023-10-12T02:05:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/261 "2023-10-16T14:51:48Z")
> [@MulderMuffin](#): > > but they are afraid to be quoted by name that they don’t want to vote for Jordan. > > Terrifying. America won’t fall because of the fascists, but because of the cowards. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/262 "2023-10-16T16:07:35Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > I can’t imagine Scalise and co. have any interest in blowing up their party to that extent. Too late. Their party is already blown up. They’re just not willing to admit it. What is really unnerving is that they may get re-elected anyway. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/263 "2023-10-16T16:22:40Z")
Yeah. It’s not their party anymore. It’s trump’s party. And all the trumply wannabes eager to pick up the King’s cloak once he drops it. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/264 "2023-10-16T16:32:30Z")
Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, who on Friday told reporters that there was nothing Jordan could do to win his vote, announcing on Twitter(X) this morning that he’ll vote for Jordan. Don’t take any comfort in all of these anonymous quotes that there’s a pack of “moderate” Republicans who will refuse to back Jordan and that his hardball tactics are backfiring. These Member’s nature is to fall in line, and I expect the vast majority of them to do so after having “productive conversations” with Jordan about their specific pet issues and the importance of “moving forward.” > ---
**Author:** ![slicedalone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slicedalone/32/12515_2.png) [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/265 "2023-10-16T16:34:27Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > The GOP moderates hold out, Jordan fails on a bunch of ballots, and they go back to caucus for somebody else. Maybe it’s just a personality issue and there is someone else they can rally behind. If this happens that person probably faces another no-confidence vote from the lunatics relatively soon. 30% chance of this, I think. It’s just the sort of kick-the-can-down-the-road solution this batch of GOP reps seems to like. With this option, I can’t see Jordan (and certainly not Trump) being a forgiving, bygones-be-bygones sort of fellow. He’d be out for blood in that scenario. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/266 "2023-10-16T16:40:40Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > “productive conversations” with Jordan about their specific pet issues and the importance of “moving forward.” AKA a fat package of cash in a plain brown envelope. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/267 "2023-10-16T17:02:01Z")
Right, which is why the most likely scenario is they all fall in line. Just like Mike Rogers did. Because ultimately the “mainstream” GOP house member wants to get things done and get reelected, so they won’t hold the government hostage to their grudge against the way McCarthy and Scalise were treated. Unlike the “blow it all up brigade” who are more than happy to do so. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/268 "2023-10-16T17:05:46Z")
Kinda like the saying about a marriage: > (S)He who cares least wins. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/269 "2023-10-16T17:06:03Z")
More GOP previously opposed/undecided reps getting on board the Jordan train this morning. Trust nothing any of these people have previously said about their intentions. > **[Jordan's speaker bid gains steam with key endorsements - Roll Call](https://rollcall.com/2023/10/16/rogers-endorses-jordans-speaker-bid/)** > > The plaudits are starting to roll in from some unlikely quarters for House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan's speaker bid. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/270 "2023-10-16T17:12:19Z")
I can remember when “Flip-flopper” was a term of high derision in the RW glossary. They seem to have triangulated their way out of that little concern. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/271 "2023-10-16T17:13:42Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > AKA a fat package of cash in a plain brown envelope. Yes, the key promise for a lot of them seems to be not enforcing a 1% cut in defense spending. 1%. That’s the kind of fiscal hawks were are dealing with here… Another profile in courage from my Rep from that same article: > [@](#): > > Backing for Jordan is starting to come in from others who’ve been his most vocal opponents. Last week, Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., [told Politico](https://x.com/Olivia_Beavers/status/1712642712384491800?s=20) that she would “absolutely not” vote for Jordan, citing his “disgraceful, ungracious” speech in conference after he lost the initial internal ballot to Scalise. > > On Monday, Wagner posted on X that she’s changed her mind after speaking with Jordan earlier in the day. She wrote that the prospect of a deal with Democrats to elect a speaker was a motivating factor. > > “Too much is at stake to hand control of the House over to radical liberal Democrats, which is why we must elect a conservative as the next Speaker,” Wagner [wrote](https://x.com/RepAnnWagner/status/1713944365352034426?s=20). ---
**Author:** ![MulderMuffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldermuffin/32/2862_2.png) [@MulderMuffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MulderMuffin)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/272 "2023-10-16T17:13:45Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > AKA a fat package of cash in a plain brown envelope. More likely threats of primary challenges, being drug through the mud and named a RINO by the right wing media machine, and being called out by trump on his fake social media site, leading to their families and themselves suffering unending harassment by the cult members. It’s no carrot and all stick. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/273 "2023-10-16T17:24:18Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > For the “Democrats vote for a moderate GOP speaker”, that fails for (at least) two reasons. There is nothing in it for the Democrats, unless it comes with a power-sharing agreement on committees. And a Speaker that is elected with a minority of their own party is a Speak-in-name-only. The whole job is maintaining party discipline and moving things along. Jeffries is asking for a lot less than power sharing in committees. He wants bills with strong bi-partisanship support to be able to move to a full vote. Basically he’s saying that a minority of Republicans (FC) won’t be able to automatically block votes anymore. It’s a small ask. In return, 30 Dems vote “Present” rather than for Jeffries and some Republican who supports the constitution rather than insurrection can sail through. This isn’t hard, except that so-called Republican moderates choose sex abuse coverups and insurrection on the one hand over the mildest and most indirect form of bipartisanship and the constitution on the other. This isn’t cowardice so much as absolute submission to Jim Jordan. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/274 "2023-10-16T18:07:42Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > Trust nothing any of these people have previously said about their intentions. Yep. After blaming the Democrats for voting out McCarthy, my Rep, Ron Estes (who has done nothing of import in the 6+ years he’s been in the House), posted this on Facebook yesterday: > The Biden administration is failing, there’s chaos around the world and Americans are suffering from more than two years of Bidenomics. Republicans must come together to reopen the House, condemn Hamas, support our ally Israel, reduce federal spending and hold the Biden administration accountable for our wide open southern border. I’m supporting Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House – he’s a strong conservative who will fight for this nation and American families at a time when our country desperately needs leadership and our government needs accountability. The urgency is real, and Chairman Jordan is the right leader to help us restore trust and order to the House of Representatives. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/275 "2023-10-16T19:40:36Z")
The article below suggests that the opposition is down to 10 and falling. [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4258693-jordan-speakership-momentum-opposition-falls/](https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4258693-jordan-speakership-momentum-opposition-falls/) ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/276 "2023-10-16T19:58:58Z")
> [@OldOlds](#): > > And I think the country would be better off for it, because I think you’d see cooperation on more issues- can’t have a tie with three parties. Well you can. And unraveling it is even more fraught. And anyway “when the gods wish to punish us they answer our prayers”. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/277 "2023-10-16T20:21:51Z")
I’m hearing that another candidate will be presented for the floor vote. Non-stop drama. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/278 "2023-10-16T20:25:39Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > The article below suggests that the opposition is down to 10 and falling. The tail is wagging the dog. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/279 "2023-10-16T20:36:01Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I can remember when “Flip-flopper” was a term of high derision in the RW glossary I can remember when having your name tied to the sexual abuse of young men was a deal breaker for a Speaker of the House. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432/280 "2023-10-16T20:37:29Z")
Yeah, probably. I doubt that they go for a vote unless they have the numbers but who the hell knows anymore [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-revolving-speakership-of-the-118th-congress-mike-johnson-is-new-speaker-as-of-2023-10-25/991432.md?page=15)