Rupert Murdoch, a powerful right-wing media mogul, recently demonstrated his influence within the Republican Party by supporting Mike Johnson against Marjorie Taylor Greene’s attacks on the House Speaker. Murdoch’s media empire, including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post, backed Johnson while criticizing Greene, with the Post going as far as to label her as “MOSCOW MARJORIE.” However, other hardline right-wing media outlets, such as Tucker Carlson and Breitbart, attacked Johnson, portraying him as a betrayer of the conservative movement. Despite the onslaught against Johnson, he managed to retain his leadership position with support from Democrats and lack of endorsement from Donald Trump and other GOP allies.
The vote to keep Johnson as House Speaker showcased Murdoch’s continuing influence within the GOP, as his media outlets played a significant role in protecting Johnson from Greene’s attacks. If Murdoch had chosen to join the criticism against Johnson, the situation could have been very different. Fox News, a key player in the right-wing media universe, could have fueled a larger movement against Johnson, potentially putting his leadership in serious jeopardy. This scenario could have influenced Trump’s response as well, possibly leading him to turn on Johnson based on the media narrative. However, Murdoch’s subtle support for Johnson helped him navigate the situation smoothly and retain his power within the party.
Without Murdoch and Fox News backing Johnson, he would have faced a far greater threat to his leadership from the attacks by hardline right-wing media outlets. Murdoch’s influence acted as a protective shield around Johnson, preventing the attacks from spreading within the GOP and potentially inciting more Republicans to join Greene in her efforts against him. While other right-wing media personalities portrayed Johnson as a turncoat, Murdoch’s support was crucial in maintaining his position of power. Murdoch’s role in this situation was largely unseen but highly significant in ensuring Johnson’s survival against the onslaught by Greene and her allies.
The events surrounding Johnson’s retention as House Speaker underscore the power dynamics within the GOP and the crucial role that media influence plays in shaping political outcomes. Murdoch’s empire continues to serve as a gravitational force in the right-wing media universe, determining the narratives and alliances that unfold within the party. Had Murdoch chosen a different course of action, the outcome for Johnson could have been drastically different, with potentially serious consequences for his leadership position. The invisible support provided by Murdoch ultimately shielded Johnson from the worst of the attacks and allowed him to emerge relatively unscathed from the ordeal.
Overall, Murdoch’s influence in the Republican Party remains substantial, despite some recent declines in power. His media outlets continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the narratives and alliances within the right-wing media landscape, impacting key political decisions and outcomes. In the case of Johnson’s survival as House Speaker, Murdoch’s quiet support proved to be a critical factor in ensuring his ability to withstand the attacks from Greene and her allies. The episode serves as a reminder of the significant influence that media moguls like Murdoch hold over political dynamics and power structures, particularly within the GOP.
