GOP defectors sent message to President Johnson: ‘We can take you down’

CNN anchor Jake Tapper said Friday during special coverage of the House speaker’s vote that Republicans who did not initially vote for Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) did so to send a message.

Tapper said, “Alright, so there you have it, Congressman Mike Johnson is now officially President Mike Johnson. There were two negative votes and two votes for other House Republicans. Ralph Norman voted for Tom Emmer and Keith Self voted for Byron Donalds. Keith Self, who is about to start, I think, his second term, and Norman have officially changed their vote.

He continued: “I have to say, and I’m sure he’s pleased, that this is a show of strength from a minority in the Republican Party. Nine members are protesting Speaker Johnson, we can impeach you if we want under the new House rules, and we can make your life very difficult. Please pay attention to us or not, please pay attention to us.

He added: “I just want to raise the flag right now because these nine people have made it clear to President Johnson that we can take you out. »

Political analyst Kristen Soltis Anderson said, “They sent a message, and the math doesn’t get any better from there.” Note that at least two names were mentioned who voted today and are unlikely to be in the House of Representatives in a few weeks.”

Tapper said, “Stefanik and Walz.”

Soltis Anderson said: “Because they were appointed to important positions by Donald Trump. So, this is just the beginning. If this vote is supposed to be the easiest, it won’t get easier from here.”

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