“If Biden Resigned, Johnson Would Be Next in Line” Speaker’s Call for Biden’s Resignation Seen as Power Play
REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent demand for President Joe Biden’s resignation comes with a significant, yet largely unnoticed, benefit for Johnson himself. Jim Newell, senior political reporter for Slate, highlighted this in a new analysis, revealing the potential personal gain for Johnson amidst Republicans’ calls for Biden to step down following his announcement not to seek reelection.
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President,” Johnson wrote in a lengthy post on Sunday. “He must resign the office immediately.” While Biden has faced criticism from the MAGA right, Johnson’s demand seems to echo former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, adding to the chorus of voices calling for Biden’s immediate resignation.
The primary talking points—asserting that Democratic voters have been cheated and that Biden is unfit to serve—are seen by Newell as particularly ironic given that the Republican nominee is a convicted felon facing federal charges under the Espionage Act and for attempting to overturn a presidential election.
“The concern for Democratic primary voters is touching and surely heartfelt,” writes a sarcastic Newell. “This is more adorable than anything. … Happy hunting.”
However, Newell points out that Johnson stands to gain something that other Republicans, like Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Trump’s running mate, and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), do not. If Biden were to resign and Vice President Kamala Harris assumed the presidency, Johnson, as Speaker of the House, would be next in the line of succession.
Newell contrasts Johnson’s stance with that of other Republicans such as Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), former Vice President Mike Pence, and Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), who have expressed well wishes and respect for Biden. “I would hope that he would stay in office,” Sessions told the BBC. “I would hope that he would complete this term — and I think the country does.”
Sessions further criticized Johnson’s resignation demand, stating, “Mike Johnson does not know what he’s talking about.”
Newell speculates that Johnson may be the only one for whom this talking point makes clear sense. “If Biden resigned and Harris assumed the presidency, Johnson would be next in the line of succession for the big seat,” he writes.
This analysis sheds light on the potential personal motivations behind Johnson’s public demands, suggesting that his calls for Biden’s resignation may be driven by more than just political alignment with Trump’s base. The strategic positioning underscores the intricate power dynamics at play as the political landscape continues to evolve.
