Mike Johnson and John Thune Play Good Cop, Bad Cop to Ease Chaos

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have settled into a routine to navigate difficult politics: Johnson tells his members yes and Thune tells the House no.

In today’s Congress, with slim GOP majorities, each leader has battles within their own chamber. But across the Capitol, Johnson and Thune have worked out a delicate balance: Thune provides a reality check while Johnson offers a sympathetic ear to his lawmakers’ wide-ranging views.

And during weeks like this one, Thune sometimes serves as a punching bag for Johnson to hide behind on difficult House votes, where he ...