With congressional Republicans distracted in the driver’s seat, Democrats hold the wheel steady

In a historic moment, and one that is good for democracy, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives saved the tenure, at least for the time being, of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-LA. The moment equals the historic moments in the past few months where the GOP ousted its own speaker and then made attempts to oust another. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a Republican and staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, presented the motion to vacate the speakership Wednesday and was booed by members of her own party. GOP House Majority Leader Steve Scalise promptly called for a vote to table the motion to vacate, which passed 359-43, saving the speaker’s job.

Greene faulted Johnson for making a compromise deal with Democrats to approve a $95 billion national security measure that provided aid to Ukraine, Israel and other allies. Trump, who said he “loves” Greene, wrote on social media that at some point the GOP may need to oust the speaker but added “this is not the time.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Democrats assisted the speaker because it was time to “turn the page” on turmoil from the GOP.

“Our decision to stop Marjorie Taylor Greene from plunging the country into further chaos is rooted in our commitment to solve problems,” Jeffries said.

Enough said.

We hope history will acknowledge the critical role Democrats played in not only solving problems but helping the country be on the right side of history in fighting the Russian attack on the people and the democracy of Ukraine.

Johnson purports to be a man of faith, and we hope he finds some solemn gratitude for those he would call enemies.