Biden Seeks Common Ground with Surprise Speaker Pick Johnson as Foreign Crises Loom

House Republicans elected Rep. Mike Johnson as Speaker, surprising the White House which had little experience working with him. President Biden called Johnson to establish a relationship.

The White House had been preparing for other Speaker candidates like Steve Scalise or Tom Emmer, but sees Johnson as an ideological opposite of Biden.

Some think Biden and Johnson's relationship won't be entirely combative, given Johnson's modest demeanor and Scalise's continued leadership role.

The White House is changing messaging on Ukraine aid to gain more Republican support, emphasizing jobs from military spending rather than just security.

Officials fear violence escalating in the Middle East, including against U.S. personnel. There are also concerns about spreading unrest in the region.