Media mogul Rupert Murdoch demonstrated his power within the Republican Party by quietly backing Mike Johnson as Marjorie Taylor Greene waged an assault against the House Speaker over his decision to pass an aid package for Ukraine. Murdoch’s media empire, which includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post, not only voiced support for Johnson but also leveled scathing attacks on Greene. This support from Murdoch’s outlets was in contrast to the hardline faction of MAGA media, which spent weeks attacking Johnson as a betrayer of the conservative movement.
Despite the relentless attacks from MAGA media, the House ultimately voted to kill Greene’s resolution to oust Johnson from his leadership post. The failure of Greene’s efforts can be attributed to the lack of support from key GOP allies, as well as the backing of Democrats for Johnson. Fox News treated the vote with dismissal, offering minimal coverage, while CNN and MSNBC provided more extensive live coverage of the event.
Murdoch’s influence in the GOP was evident in this episode, highlighting the power he still wields over the party through his media empire. Had Murdoch chosen to denounce Johnson instead of supporting him, the outcome could have been very different. Fox News could have amplified the attacks on Johnson, potentially putting his leadership in serious jeopardy and influencing Trump’s response to the situation.
However, Murdoch’s support for Johnson ultimately helped him escape a potentially dire situation. Despite being portrayed as a turncoat in other right-wing media outlets, Johnson benefited from the protection provided by Murdoch Media, preventing the attacks from penetrating the core of the GOP. Murdoch’s invisible influence played a crucial role in maintaining Johnson’s power within the party.
The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of media support in shaping political outcomes. Murdoch’s decision to back Johnson had a significant impact on the outcome of the vote and ultimately protected Johnson from potential threats to his leadership. Without Murdoch’s support, Johnson may have faced a more substantial backlash from within the GOP and potentially from Trump himself.
In conclusion, Rupert Murdoch’s influence in the Republican Party remains significant, as demonstrated by his support for Mike Johnson in the face of attacks from within the party. Murdoch’s media empire continues to serve as a source of gravity in the right-wing media universe, playing a crucial role in shaping political narratives and outcomes. The episode involving Johnson and Greene highlighted the power dynamics at play within the GOP and underscored the importance of media support in navigating internal party conflicts.