Mike Johnson’s 'Christian nationalism' is 'a greater threat to America than al-Qaida': strategist

A top Democratic strategist from House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-Louisiana) home state is challenging the speaker to a debate at a small Southern Baptist campus he dubbed "the epicenter of Christian nationalism."

The Guardian recently published an interview with James Carville, a strategist who worked alongside former President Bill Clinton in his ascension from the governorship of Arkansas to the US presidency. The Louisiana democrat highlighted the differences between patriotism — which he likened to "a piece of ground as an idea" — and nationalism: Specifically, Christian nationalism.

"The debate I want begins: 'Resolved, Christian nationalism is a greater threat to America than al-Qaida,'” Carville told the Guardian about the idea of debating Johnson at Louisiana Christian University. "I want students to see real debate and make up their own minds about what kind of America we want."

POLL: Should Trump be allowed to hold office again?

"What Johnson does represent is a level of breathtaking hypocrisy," Carville added. "His anti-homosexuality and young earthism are hypocrisy on steroids."

Carville highlighted Johnson's long history as an attorney for far-right causes and work with conservative Evangelical groups to oppose abortion and same-sex marriage rights. In 2004, for example, Johnson wrote an op-ed for the Shreveport Times in which he declared "if we change marriage for this tiny minority, we will have to do it for every deviant group. Polygamists, polyamorists and pedophiles will be next in line to claim equal protection."

Johnson has also been vocal in his calls for a closer relationship between government and the church. During a November interview on CNBC's Squawk Box, Johnson said the concept of separation of church and state was a "misnomer," and said religion was "such an important part of who we are as a nation."

Carville went on to describe Christian nationalism as a byproduct of "Trumpism," adding that he understood it ultimately comes from "the idea of loss, what people once had."

READ MORE: Mike Johnson says separation of church and state is a 'misnomer'

"The essence of Trumpism is that politics has run over you," Carville said. "In the church, we’re seeing a real defense of power in reaction to the hypocrisy and rottenness that’s been exposed. So the right wing doubles down."

Read the Guardian's full interview with Carville by clicking here.