Democratic strategist James Carville unleashed a blistering critique on the newly elected Republican House Speaker, Mike Johnson, labeling him and fellow “Christian nationalists” as a more substantial threat to the United States than Al-Qaeda. Carville’s remarks were made during a recent appearance on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” as reported by Fox News on December 2, 2023.
During the interview, Carville, renowned for his pivotal role in Bill Clinton’s presidential campaigns, was asked about Speaker Johnson, who hails from Carville’s home state of Louisiana and assumed office last month following a far-right coup within the GOP that ousted Kevin McCarthy.
Carville expressed his concerns, stating, “Mike Johnson and what he believes is one of the greatest threats we have today to the United States. I promise you, I know these people.” When Maher pointed out the reference to “Christian nationalists,” Carville affirmed, saying, “Absolutely. This is a bigger threat than Al-Qaeda to this country.”
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The Democratic strategist alleged that Johnson and his allies undermine the Constitution and democracy, wielding significant influence and funding within the Republican Party and the judiciary. Carville issued a stark warning, emphasizing the potential danger they pose to the nation if they were to ascend to power.
“The Speaker of the House, they got probably at least two Supreme Court justices, maybe more, don’t kid yourself. This is a fundamental threat to the United States,” Carville asserted. He claimed that Johnson and his cohort reject the principles of democracy, quoting Johnson himself, who purportedly said, “What is democracy but two wolves and a lamb having lunch?”
Carville dismissed any notion that these concerns were unfounded, emphasizing the seriousness of their beliefs and the persistent nature of their actions. He underscored their extensive funding, relentlessness, and the potential catastrophic consequences for the country if they were to achieve political dominance.
Mike Johnson, representing Louisiana’s 4th district, stands as a staunch conservative and devout Christian. A former constitutional lawyer and founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, Johnson aligns with hardline Republicans often at odds with party leadership.
Notably, Johnson is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and his baseless claims of election fraud. He led a group of 126 House Republicans in supporting a lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 election results, a move rejected by the Supreme Court.
Criticism has been directed at Johnson for his views on the separation of church and state, which he dismisses as “a misnomer.” Advocating for Christian symbols in public spaces, Christian education in public schools, and religious liberty for Christians, Johnson has also opposed abortion, same-sex marriage, immigration, and environmental regulations.
As of Saturday morning, Speaker Mike Johnson has not responded to James Carville’s comments, and his office has not yet issued a statement.
