Punchbowl News: “After failing to convince Republicans two weeks ago to pass a clean extension of the debt limit, Trump scored a victory in getting Johnson elected speaker. It would’ve been easy for Trump to stay out of this contest. But Trump endorsed Johnson and lobbied members to back him.”
“Trump made phone calls not only to Norman and Self but also to Roy. We’re told Roy wanted assurances from Trump that the president-elect wouldn’t publicly blast him on social media or threaten a primary challenge. Trump promised Roy he would lay off but also told the Texas Republican he needed him to vote for Johnson.”
“The unlikely partnership of Johnson and Trump – a reserved, highly religious Louisiana Republican and a thrice-married brash New Yorker – will be key to Republicans’ legislative prospects for the next two years.”
Aaron Blake: 4 takeaways from Mike Johnson’s dramatic speaker win.
