CNN host John Berman sparred with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) as the Republican failed to address questions on Thursday following Donald Trump’s pledge to protect women “whether the women like it or not.”
Berman hit back at Donalds after he claimed that CNN played a clip lacking “context” from Trump, who used a Wisconsin rally this week to attack immigrants just before expressing his desire to protect women.
“His advisers were telling him not to use that type of language and say, ‘I’m going to be your protector.’ And that is the context in that speech,” Berman noted.
“John, you need to stop,” Donalds said.
“No, no, no! That was what he was doing. And then he said … ’I’m going to protect them, the women, whether they like it or not,” continued Berman, who added that Trump’s advisers “clearly knew” that his language about women was an issue.
He then turned to a clip of Nikki Haley who, prior to Trump’s remarks on protecting women, criticized the campaign for pushing “bromance” and “masculinity stuff” and warned that it would alienate his women supporters.
“So, you’re telling me there’s no concern from Nikki Haley or clearly, as Donald Trump said, from people close to him, his campaign, about the type of language he’s using?” Berman asked.
Donalds didn’t answer the question and accused CNN of “selective editing.” After more contentious back and forth, Berman played a longer clip, but still, Donalds spun it.
“If you don’t want to answer my question, can you address Nikki Haley’s comments then?” Berman said.
“John, Nikki Haley’s comments are irrelevant at this point,” Donalds interjected.
“OK, you think Nikki Haley’s comments are irrelevant? That’s your answer? That’s your answer to Nikki Haley, then, that Nikki Haley is irrelevant?” Berman replied.
You can check out more from the tense CNN interview below.
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