As much of a struggle as it was for Mr. Biden to work across party lines with Kevin McCarthy when he was speaker, a Jordan speakership would be a nightmare in the view of the president’s aides.
Mr. Jordan, dubbed a “legislative terrorist” by former Speaker John A. Boehner, a fellow Republican, has long preferred bomb throwing to deal making and could push for Mr. Biden’s impeachment, government shutdowns and other moves at odds with the White House.
Mr. Biden has resolutely refused to comment at any length about the chaos in the House, sticking by the old view that it is up to Congress to determine its own leadership, not the executive branch.
When Mr. Jordan jumped into the speakership race a couple of weeks ago, Mr. Biden said he would work with whoever won.
“They have the majority in the House,” Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, told reporters on Air Force One on the way to Israel on Tuesday.
Persons:
Biden, Kevin McCarthy, Jordan, John A, Boehner, Mr, ”, I’ll, ” Karine Jean, Pierre, White
Organizations:
Republican, White, White House, Air Force, House Republicans
Locations:
Israel