The government shutdown continues with no end in sight, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has some strong words for the Democrats. In an interview with The Daily Wire, he described them as “wandering in the wilderness,” lacking a clear leader or a solid policy platform.
Johnson criticized the Democratic Party, suggesting that they are being led around by “radical leftist groups.” He pointed out that they don’t have a platform that resonates with the American public, highlighting their defeat in the last election as evidence of their struggles. He added, “When you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything,” implying that Democrats are currently lost without direction.
He also questioned whether the Democrats have a recognized leader, referring to former President Donald Trump’s recent comments that the party lacks leadership. Johnson challenged Democrats to name their leader, claiming they wouldn’t be able to do so.
Johnson expressed concern about the influence of what he calls the “most radical fringe voices” within the Democratic Party, suggesting that they have gained power during President Joe Biden’s time in office. He described Biden as “personally checked out” and suggested that these fringe groups are shaping the administration’s decisions.
The Speaker also commented on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s changing stance. Earlier this year, Schumer supported a continuing resolution to keep the government open, but now he is opposing the House’s resolution over healthcare issues. Johnson accused Schumer of caving to pressure from his party, stating that he is now willing to inflict pain on everyone else by not supporting the resolution.
Johnson warned that it’s dangerous for the country to have radical groups influencing one of the two major political parties. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise echoed this sentiment, pointing to Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist running for mayor in New York City, as a potential new leader of the Democratic Party. Scalise claimed that the party’s power has shifted to the socialist left, and he criticized Democrats for not denouncing Mamdani’s controversial statements about Israel.
Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger also weighed in, questioning why Democrats with military backgrounds aren’t standing up against what he sees as a radical shift in the party. Pfluger expressed concern over the potential for violence from these radical groups and criticized Democrats for obstructing measures that could benefit the country.
He contrasted this with Trump’s ongoing efforts to make progress, including a historic peace deal in the Middle East. Pfluger believes Democrats have miscalculated the impact of the government shutdown, as Trump continues to push forward with his agenda.
Scalise assured that Republicans will work to communicate their message, regardless of media coverage. He emphasized their commitment to fighting against Democratic obstruction.
As the shutdown drags on, another vote in the Senate on the House-passed continuing resolution is expected soon, but the outlook remains uncertain.
