In a recent interview on "CNN This Morning," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), the latest GOP nominee for Speaker, as an "extreme right-wing ideologue" based on his legislative track record. Jeffries highlighted Johnson's positions on key issues such as abortion access, Social Security, and Medicare, as well as his role in supporting former President Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

Jeffries expressed his concern regarding Johnson's stance on abortion care, stating, "Mike Johnson wants to criminalize abortion care and impose a nationwide ban. Those are extreme views." Additionally, he called attention to Johnson's involvement in supporting Trump's attempts to remain in power, saying, "Mike Johnson was one of the chief architects of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election." Jeffries also criticized Johnson for his desire to alter Social Security and Medicare, declaring that he wants to "end Social Security and Medicare as we know it."

During the interview, Jeffries emphasized that House Democrats would actively oppose Johnson's extreme views. However, he also expressed a willingness to work with Johnson in a bipartisan manner if he were to become Speaker. Jeffries stated, "We've said from the very beginning of this Congress that we are ready, willing, and able to find common ground with our Republican colleagues in order to advance bipartisan solutions. All Mike Johnson will need to do is to meet us in a bipartisan way, and we'll be able to work together whenever and wherever possible."

Rep. Mike Johnson is the fourth nominee for Speaker put forward by the House GOP in the past three weeks. Previous nominees, including Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), faced challenges in securing the necessary support. Jeffries had also criticized Jordan when he was tapped as Speaker-designee, referring to him as "a clear and present danger to our democracy."

If Johnson secures the Speaker position, his legislative agenda and policy priorities are likely to face scrutiny and pushback from House Democrats. However, Jeffries' statement suggests that bipartisan cooperation is still possible, provided Johnson approaches it in a bipartisan manner.

As the Speaker selection process continues, the ideological divide within the House of Representatives remains at the forefront, with both sides vying for influence and representation of their respective views.