CNN’s Dana Bash confronted a Republican congressman running for Michigan governor on Friday after he compared a Democratic Senate candidate to the extremists he fought during the Iraq War.
MAGA Rep. John James, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, came under scrutiny on CNN’s “Inside Politics” over his attacks on Democratic Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed, who has also faced attacks from Trump himself this week.
“He is an American, congressman. You know that,” Bash told James during the tense exchange.
“I do know he’s an American,” James responded, before doubling down on his criticism of El-Sayed.
“If you are an American and you cannot distinguish between Iran and Israel being an enemy or a friend, as a senator, he may not be qualified as an American to be a senator,” James said. “That is what I’m saying.”
James was referring to Thursday’s Senate debate, where El-Sayed declined to say whether Iran or Israel posed the bigger threat, calling it “a ridiculous question” and saying both “have proven dangerous in their own way.” His Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, sought to tie him to the Muslim Brotherhood during the same debate.
The confrontation followed a social media post in which James compared El-Sayed to the extremists he fought as an Army helicopter pilot in Iraq.
Bash pressed him on the comparison.
“You said, ‘it’s appalling to see one on stage,’ meaning extremists.”
James continued accusing El-Sayed of embracing extremists’ views, saying such beliefs were “incompatible” with American values.
But Bash wasn’t finished confronting James, delivering one final reality check as the interview wrapped.
“And you, of course, are not running against Abdul El-Sayed. You’re running against Jocelyn Benson,” Bash reminded him Friday.
She added that CNN had invited Benson, the Democratic candidate for Michigan governor, to appear on the program. James and Benson clashed in their first debate Tuesday and are set to debate again Oct. 15. Last month, James also drew fire for a 9/11-themed ad attacking Benson that critics called false.
“Yeah, she’ll come on to lie soon. I’m sure she will. Take care,” James said as Bash cut him off to end the segment.
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