A New Speaker’s Many Faces Show Everything but Approval

Presiding over his first State of the Union address as speaker of the House, Mike Johnson sat at center stage, just over President Biden’s left shoulder, with one of the worst poker faces in American politics.

His eyebrows arched and fell. He pursed his lips. He couldn’t decide whether he should stand up, smile or frown.

He smirked. He corrected himself. He sort of rolled his eyes. He looked down. He sighed. He shook his head. He swallowed. He smiled again. He looked amused and patient when he clearly intended to look serious and not pleased at all.

To be fair, another performer had seemed to miss his own cue first.

As is customary, Mr. Johnson banged the gavel when Mr. Biden stepped up to the rostrum. And when Mr. Biden began, “Mr. Speaker,” Mr. Johnson briefly leaned forward, as if expecting Mr. Biden to give him the opportunity to deliver the ceremonial introduction of the president.

Instead, Mr. Biden launched right into his speech, and Mr. Johnson nodded politely and took his seat.

He then had the high privilege and distinct honor of trying to control his boyish facial expressions for more than 70 minutes on national television.