On Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared on ABC’s “This Week” and mentioned that he believes “Marxism is on the rise within the Democratic Party.”
A partial transcription follows:
Jonathan Karl: You’re talking about rallies that some see as hate-filled, not just involving anarchists or Antifa supporters but also pro-Hamas groups. You referred to this as part of the modern Democratic Party. But I remember your earlier comments after Charlie Kirk’s murder, where you suggested we should view our fellow Americans as citizens rather than enemies.
Johnson: Absolutely. I’ve never labeled anyone as an enemy. However, we do call out—
Karl: The America-haters or Antifa or pro-Hamas supporters, those seem to be the enemies you’re referring to.
JOHNSON: Yes, I received many hateful messages yesterday. There are videos and imagery featuring violent rhetoric aimed at the president, including phrases like, ‘fascists should die.’ I doubt that’s a friendly expression. Such sentiments aren’t pro-American. It’s not about individual people; it focuses on the ideology. I’ve come here every Sunday to discuss the threats posed by Marxism and socialism, which resulted in the deaths of millions last century alone. It’s a perilous ideology and fundamentally anti-American, opposing everything we represent.
Karl: But I’m not suggesting this represents the entire Democratic Party; not everyone participated. It reminds me of when Hillary Clinton labeled half of Trump supporters as “a bunch of deplorables.”
Johnson: I never made that claim. I didn’t say it encompasses the whole Democratic Party. Yet, we must recognize the reality—
Karl: Well, that’s—
Johnson: Hold on a second.
Karl: So you’re saying this reflects the modern Democratic Party.
Johnson: Exactly. Look at the evidence. Just see what’s going on in New York. They’re moving to elect someone who openly identifies as a socialist Marxist as the mayor of the largest city in America. Marxism is undeniably gaining traction in the Democratic Party. That’s a truth nobody can dispute. We are against it and strongly reject it. We’re highlighting this issue so the next generation of Americans can grasp its dangers. I think it’s our duty as public servants to convey this message.
