When Speaker Mike Johnson practically fell into one of the most powerful — but tenuous — jobs in American politics, he had little experience, no clear base of support, and a minuscule majority that had consumed his predecessor.
Yet early this month Johnson (R-La.) helped deliver one of the biggest Republican policy markers in recent memory, shepherding through a giant tax and spending bill despite still having almost no room to maneuver in the House.
His path to that moment was reflected during a White House celebration of it Tuesday, when President Donald Trump called Johnson to the Oval Office, ...
