However, Johnson is part of the "MAGA class" of freshmen Congressmen who came in with Trump, and that counts for a lot in my book as well. So we'll see how he does as Speaker, and if he can control the herd of cats, or gets trampled in the stampede.
Some see this as a popularity contest. Some think a Speaker “earns” the position through seniority. Like it’s “his turn”.
I always look at it in the context that he’s THIRD IN LINE FOR POTUS. It’s sobering. Gives a whole different perspective.
“Normally the Speaker is a senior leadership position for someone who has been in Congress a very long time”
You’re correct but entrenched leadership has been the problem.
John Boehner set up a cozy little line of succession with the “Young Guns”
If this vote fails just nominate DJTrump. Kill off the opposition with a round of heart attacks and strokes. Then vote.
Way back a Pres had a shadow cabinet. Hand chosen advisers while he ignored the “approved” cabinet. Bring in DJT as that. The pro-tem guy, Kirby??, can sign the stuff but DJT will do all the deal making and speechifying — nicely getting around any gag order, too.