Mike Johnson was just elected speaker of the House for the United States. In his first remarks, he made it clear that he believed God was behind his victory — “Scripture, the Bible, is very clear: that God is the one who raises up those in authority.”
Countless outlets ridiculed the speaker’s Christian nationalism. Each of his reactionary positions came under scrutiny, from his record on LGBTQ+ rights to his stance on abortion, and rightly so. However, Johnson’s theocratic tendencies are not the biggest problem with his speakership — his stance on the 2020 election is.
In an increasingly polarized nation, it is not ideal that such a figure has gained prominence in the Republican Party. Nevertheless, Christian theocrats have been a branch of American politics for almost 200 years. Radical wings like this have existed on the left and the right, and will remain as long as free speech persists. Such views are precisely the types of unpopular speech the First Amendment must protect.
Pessimistic though it may be, many Americans agree with Johnson on each of his controversial beliefs. In fact, 45% of Americans support the theoretical Christian nation that forms the bedrock of Johnson’s views.
On the subject of abortion, around four in 10 Americans agree with Johnson once again. The same is true for his views on creationism. What’s more, each of these issues have always had supporters on both sides, for better or worse.
Of course, condemnation of Johnson’s absurd socio-political views is prudent. However, their popularity within the electorate is undeniable.
The only view held by Johnson that would shock most Americans of generations past would be his rejection of the results of a free and fair election. After all, such a transgression strikes at the heart of our most important institution — the electoral system.
Even strong disagreements are typical for United States democracy. The system is designed to be flexible and to withstand any number of fringe positions.
What is not typical is refusing to accept the results of United States democracy. Refusing to play by the rules is the distinguishing feature of modern Republican populism that sets it apart from all other modern American political movements.
When Hillary Clinton lost, she conceded the next day, complying with the process. Her objectionable venting came afterward.
When Al Gore lost an extremely close election in 2000, he conceded and complied with the process, even while he may have truly been victorious.
When Donald Trump lost, he refused to concede, while doing everything he could to overturn the election. Even years later, he demanded articles of the Constitution be suspended to put himself back into power. Johnson was in support of him every step of the way.
The one topic that requires every elected representative to be on the same page is the peaceful transfer of power. Without that, everything collapses.
There is one unique threat posed by Johnson and his movement, but it is not Christian nationalism — it is opposition to democracy itself.
