Mike Johnson wants Dems to condemn James Carville for comparing 'Christian nationalism' to al-Qaeda

06 December 2023

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) is demanding an apology from Democrats in response to some scathing comments that veteran Democratic strategist James Carville made during an early December appearance on Bill Maher's "Overtime." But some of Johnson's critics are responding that Carville's remarks were spot on.

On "Overtime," the 79-year-old Carville called out Johnson's far-right Christian nationalist ideology and told host Maher, "Mike Johnson, in what he believes, is one of the greatest threats we have to date in the United States. I know these people."

When Maher asked Carville if he was referring to "Christian nationalism," he responded, "Absolutely. This is a bigger threat than al-Qaeda to this country…. Don't kid yourself: People in the press have no idea who this guy is, what he is for, what the threat is. This is a fundamental threat to the United States. They don't believe in the Constitution…. Mike Johnson himself says: What is democracy?.... That's what they really, really, really believe."

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Carville wasn't attacking Christianity in general. Over the years, the Democratic strategist has had plenty or interactions with Mainline Protestant and Catholic groups. Rather, he was emphasizing that Johnson seeks to legislate a severe and radical form of Christian fundamentalism despite the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment clearly saying that the United States shall not favor one religion or sect over another.

As Carville sees it, Christian nationalism is not compatible with freedom of religion.

But on December 3, Johnson characterized Carville's comments as an attack on all Christians.

On X, formerly Twitter, the House speaker posted, "It's twisted and shameful that a leading Democrat strategist says millions of Christians in America are a greater threat than foreign terrorists who murdered more than 3,000 Americans. The Democratic Party should condemn this. But they won't."

Some X users, however, have been happy to defend Carville and offer some context.

Democratic activist Ryan Shead defiantly told Johnson, "No, we won’t, because this is who you support. You're a disgrace to America and Christians everywhere."

Jess Piper, executive director of Blue Missouri, tweeted, "It's not the Christians…it’s the Christian nationalists like yourself.

Activist Carlos David Diaz posted, "Christian Nationalism is a replica of Jihadist Islamic ways.... You both hate the same."

Pundit Peggy Gabour said of Carville, "He's correct! Jerry Falwell, the 'Moral Majority"...all shameful!"

Activist Kes Bretagne wrote, "He's referring to your friends Mike, you know, the Seven Mountains Dominionists who want to replace democracy with a theocracy."

Pundit Michael Cleere applauded both Carville and Maher, tweeting, "Last Friday's episode of Real Time with James Carville was excellent. Anyone that hasn't seen it really should check it out. Bill Maher actually schools with facts & history about the separation of church and state."

Watch the full Bill Maher video with James Carville below or at this link.

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