In the wake of Speaker Johnson’s controversial decision to block the Democrats’ coronavirus relief efforts, the Democratic party is quickly seeking to make him into a “boogeyman,” and make voters believe he is the obstructionist preventing aid during the coronavirus pandemic.
The term “boogeyman” dates back to the early 20th century originally meant as a fictional character used to scare small children into behaving. Now as part of the political landscape, the term has come to refer to an individual or group whose opinions or actions are wildly unpopular or perceived to be a threat to others.
At the time of Speaker Johnson’s push-back against the Democrats’ relief package, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) moved swiftly in creating “Speaker Johnson,” a caricature of stubborn Republican opposition to the bill.
The DNC described Speaker Johnson as the “bad guy of the congressional scene,” painting the Speaker as the sole obstructionist preventing relief from reaching those suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. Advancing its narrative, the DNC praised every other Republican who opposed the Speaker’s decision as a hero who had spoken up against him.
The Democrats’ strategy was meant to appeal to the emotions of the public, drawing sympathy from a majority of voters who were already struggling from the effects of the pandemic and hoping for help from the government. But some Republican leaders see it as a cheap political ploy meant to distract from the truth of what Speaker Johnson was trying to do: pushback against an overly costly Democratic bill and refocus attention on domestic policy issues.
Whatever the case, the Democrats have been quick to make Speaker Johnson a boogeyman in the minds of Americans. Whether or not their strategy is ultimately successful, the DNC has cleverly started the conversation in how the American public views Speaker Johnson. The next few months will be telling.