Dwain Northey (Gen X)

There’s something almost mystical about Mike Johnson these days. Not content with merely shepherding legislation through a divided Congress, he has apparently taken up part-time work as a political fortune teller. Crystal ball in one hand, Constitution in the other, he’s already predicting that if Republicans lose the midterms, they’ll lose power and Donald Trump will be impeached again.

That’s not a warning. That’s a confession wrapped in prophecy.

If you truly believe you’re governing brilliantly—if the economy is soaring, the public is thrilled, and your approval ratings are basking in golden sunlight—why are you pre-writing the sequel to your own downfall? Most people who think they’re winning don’t start mapping out the loss scenario two years early. They plan victory parties, not impeachment defense strategies.

It’s a curious bit of logic: “We’re doing a fantastic job. The American people love what we’re doing. Also, if voters get the chance, they’ll immediately strip us of power.” That’s less political analysis and more subconscious guilt leaking out at a press conference.

Midterms are, of course, about accountability. If a party loses control, it usually means voters weren’t entirely sold on the “mission accomplished” banner. So when leadership openly speculates about losing, it raises an awkward question: is this strategic fear-mongering, or is it the quiet realization that the applause track isn’t as loud outside the chamber?

If they are so confident in their record, why does the mere thought of an election sound like a doomsday scenario? Why frame voters as an existential threat rather than as satisfied customers renewing a contract?

Perhaps the real prediction isn’t about impeachment. Perhaps it’s about insecurity. After all, you don’t warn about the mob storming the castle unless you suspect the drawbridge was never that sturdy to begin with.

If America is supposedly thrilled, then elections shouldn’t be frightening—they should be a victory lap.

Unless, of course, deep down, you know it won’t be.