During an interview on CNN on Monday, Democratic Congressman John Garamendi of California didn’t hold back his disdain for Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s threats of legal action regarding President Joe Biden stepping aside for Kamala Harris.
The interview, punctuated by Garamendi’s blistering response, began with a reflection on Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race. Garamendi hailed Biden’s legacy and leadership, emphasizing his longstanding support dating back to 1988. Transitioning swiftly to Kamala Harris, whom he described as an “extraordinary person,” Garamendi highlighted her prosecutorial record and readiness to challenge adversaries like Trump.
However, the tone shifted dramatically when CNN anchor Jim Acosta brought up Speaker Mike Johnson’s ominous threat of legal challenges against Harris’s elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket. Garamendi’s initial reaction was almost incredulous
“It’s laughable,” he remarked, with a grin that betrayed a mix of disbelief and disdain. But Garamendi didn’t stop at mere dismissal; he launched into a scathing critique of the Republican strategy, accusing Johnson and his party of meddling where they don’t belong.
“Just who the hell does he think he is?” Garamendi asked his words dripping with contempt.
He accused Republicans of desperation, suggesting they were afraid of facing Harris in the upcoming election. “We’ve got a candidate on the Democratic side that is going to whip the Republicans,” he asserted confidently before adding: “We got a prosecutor that is going to be taking on a certified felon in the presidential election, and I understand why they’re so concerned,” he added.
His criticism didn’t spare Johnson’s party either, mocking their inability to manage internal affairs while attempting to influence Democratic decisions. “Pay attention to your own party and don’t go messing around with the Democratic party,” Garamendi warned, echoing a sentiment of frustration with what he perceived as partisan interference.
As the interview progressed, Garamendi pivoted to what he saw as a familiar tactic from the Trump playbook: resorting to lawsuits when faced with political challenges.
“When you’re going down, start suing, get the lawyers out there and start suing. More of the same,” he quipped, drawing a parallel to past Republican strategies under Trump’s leadership.
Watch the clip below from CNN:
