Pro-Trump CNN analyst Lee Zeldin got tripped up when anchor Kasie Hunt asked him if former President Donald Trump “discourages political violence.”
President Joe Biden and Trump are set to debate on June 27 in the earliest general election presidential matchup ever, with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderating.
Pre-debate coverage has dominated cable news this week, with pundits making predictions and offering advice.
On Tuesday morning’s edition of CNN This Morning, Hunt hosted Zeldin for some pre-debate commentary, asking Zeldin how Trump should deal with questions about the Jan. 6 riot and his thoughts about inflammatory rhetoric. Zeldin was attacked onstage at an event in 2022.
When asked if Trump “discourages political violence” Zeldin gave an answer that drew a laugh from Hunt:
KASIE HUNT: Do you think Donald Trump is living up to what you say, that leaders should use rhetoric that discourages political violence?
LEE ZELDIN: Well, listen, I there’s a lot, that I would say, you know, as far as President Trump, what he has said, stuff that President Biden has said, that is not maybe you know, what my particular style is, but President Trump is a fighter.
You know, he is, he is on offense. I’m sure he’ll be on offense again on Thursday.
President Biden has shown up at these debates, and, you know, he’s been ready to fight, and he’s been alert and he’s been giving it, to President Trump.
And, you know, ultimately, I think that a lot of Americans also look for people to step up to, to be strong, to be forceful.
Again, not just talking about what, I, my preference is for that positive, uplifting message.
But I do think that a lot of people also want to see that contrast outlined. And this is high stakes. Talking about president of the United States.
And I think sleeves are going to be rolled up, and they’re also going to be showing up on Thursday to do battle.
And I would not discourage, both of the candidates to show up and just shy away from these tough debates on these issues as well, even if at times, you know, a rhetoric might ruffle feathers of those who prefer a positive, uplifting message.
KASIE HUNT: (laughs) All right, Congressman, thank you very much for your time.
Watch above via CNN This Morning.
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