On Wednesday, Oct. 25, following three weeks of chaos and head-spinning melodrama, House Republicans finally managed to elect a House speaker. Louisiana’s Mike Johnson took the gavel and ended the GOP’s nightmare.
The next day, the congressman — largely unknown to the public and even many Republicans on Capitol Hill — decided it was time to introduce himself to those who have no idea who he is. To that end, Johnson sat down for a one-on-interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
Speaker Mike Johnson dismisses gun control: "The problem is the human heart. It's not guns … this is not the time to talk about legislation." pic.twitter.com/b1ti28zETl
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 27, 2023
Three days later, the new House speaker was back on the air, this time speaking on Fox News with Maria Bartiromo.
Chairmen Comer, Jordan, and Smith have my full faith and backing as they continue their investigations into the Biden family.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) October 29, 2023
We will follow the truth where it leads and deliver for the American people. pic.twitter.com/NRTrjV0VC3
The next day, Johnson sit down with Fox News’ Kayleigh McEnany for an interview.
Watch more from my interview yesterday with @KayleighMcEnany here: pic.twitter.com/yFNoeQOfHo
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 1, 2023
Two days later, Johnson sat down with Fox News’ Hannity again.
Cheers for Mike Johnson from Republicans pic.twitter.com/CNp1HREhqn
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 2, 2023
Two days later, Congress’ top Republican mixed things up a bit and sat down, not with Fox News, but with Fox Business.
The border crisis is a direct result of failed policy decisions by the Biden Admin – not a lack of funding.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 3, 2023
HR 2 would:
-Finish the wall
-End catch and release
-End abuse of parole authority
-Reform the broken asylum system
-Restart Remain in Mexico pic.twitter.com/8XZdqJih5x
That same day, Fox News viewers saw Johnson and his wife being interviewed by McEnany.
My wonderful wife Kelly has stood by my side for over 25 years. Her devotion to our family and God is inspiring and keeps me motivated every day.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 3, 2023
Watch our sit down with @KayleighMcEnany below. pic.twitter.com/VGYqQiCBmM
Two days later, the House speaker appeared on a Sunday show. If you’re thinking it might’ve been “Fox News Sunday,” you’re right.
Wow. Mike Johnson on Fox News Sunday doesn't rule out voting against access to contraception but then says "I really don't remember any of those measures" when asked about his past votes against reproductive health care pic.twitter.com/4pDl3BGGD3
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 5, 2023
As media strategies go, this one is lacking in subtlety.
At face value, it’s likely that none of this seems especially surprising. Johnson is a conservative Republican; he’s become Congress’ top GOP official; so it stands to reason that he’d appear on a media outlet aligned with the party.
But Johnson’s media choices also shed light on his broader perspective. The new House speaker appears less interested in introducing himself to the public in general, and more interested in reaching out to a narrower partisan constituency.
