House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence in his ability to retain his position ahead of the speaker's vote. He stated that he believes he has the necessary votes and is prepared to go through multiple rounds if needed.
When asked about the whip count, Johnson mentioned that he feels they are in a good position and will soon have clarity on the matter. He dismissed concerns about not securing the votes in the first round, emphasizing that it is all part of the process and expressing optimism about the outcome.
Johnson credited President-elect Donald Trump for his support in rallying House Republicans. He noted that Trump's public statements and private conversations with members have been beneficial in garnering backing.
Committing to persevere regardless of the number of voting rounds required, Johnson emphasized the importance of unifying Congress and completing the task at hand. He affirmed that he has not engaged in any backdoor deals to secure votes, stating proudly that he has maintained integrity throughout the process.
Johnson's determination to see the job through and his assurance of transparency in his dealings with lawmakers underscore his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities as House Speaker.