Johnson Backs Texas Candidate Despite 'Detestable' Video
Johnson Backs Texas Candidate Despite 'Detestable' Video
The News
House Speaker Mike Johnson is standing by Texas Republican House candidate Brandon Herrera after CNN's Jake Tapper played him uncensored video of Herrera using crude and degrading language.
Johnson described the language as "detestable," according to Politico, but did not withdraw his endorsement in the Sunday interview.
He instead called Herrera a "very thoughtful guy" and the "common sense" choice in the race, Raw Story reported.
Timeline
On CNN, Tapper confronts Johnson with uncensored footage of Herrera referring to children as a "c*m trophy," in what Mediaite called a jaw-dropping moment on air.
Johnson, directly informed of the remarks, declines to rescind his endorsement, AlterNet reported.
Politico reports that Johnson called the nominee's language "detestable" while continuing to back him for the Texas seat.
Reactions
Johnson did not defend the words themselves. He brushed off Tapper's questions and framed Herrera as the reasonable option for Republicans in the district, per Raw Story.
Left-leaning outlets went after the Speaker directly. AlterNet wrote that Johnson "squirms" at the candidate's remarks yet endorses him anyway, casting it as loyalty to President Donald Trump's political operation outweighing the content of the video.
Raw Story reported that Herrera has called women "c-- trophies" and has embraced "Nazi imagery" online — characterizations that outlet attributed to Herrera's own posts.
What's Next
Herrera remains the Republican nominee in his Texas House race, and Johnson's endorsement stands. The question now is whether other House Republicans are asked to take the same position — and whether national party committees keep spending in the district.
More
What the Sources Agree On
Four outlets across the spectrum — Politico (center-left), Mediaite (center), AlterNet and Raw Story (left) — describe the same exchange: Tapper played the footage, Johnson called the language unacceptable, and the endorsement survived the segment.
The outlets differ on who the slur was aimed at. Mediaite reported Herrera used the phrase about children; Raw Story described the phrase as being applied to women. The Frank has not independently reviewed the video.
Poll
Should Speaker Johnson pull his endorsement of Brandon Herrera?
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