WATCH: CNN’s Camerota batters CPAC founder over LaPierre’s vicious attack on gun control advocates
CNN host Alisyn Camerota took the organizer of CPAC to task Friday morning for defending NRA executive Wayne LaPierre's "divisive" speech on Thursday, where the head of the organization accused gun control advocates of "hating freedom."
In the interview, which quickly grew contentious, CPAC executive Matt Schlapp stood up for LaPierre, saying he didn't see anything wrong with the speech.
Sharing a clip from Thursday, when LaPierre bellowed, "The elites don't care, not one wit, about America's school system and schoolchildren. If they truly cared, what they would do is they would protect them. For them it's not a safety issue -- it's a political issue. Their goal is to eliminate the Second Amendment and our firearms freedoms so they can eradicate all individual freedoms," Camerota pressed Schlapp.
“Matt do you believe that? Do you believe the people calling for expanded background checks ‘hate freedom and want to take away all individual freedom?'” she asked.
“I think it’s time to listen more and work together” Schlapp shot back.
"Then is Wayne LaPierre stoking that division?” the CNN host pressed.
After some back and forth, with the host and guest talking over each other, Camerota attempted to get Schlapp to condemn LaPierre's "hate freedom" comment, but the CPAC founder demurred saying he wouldn't take responsibility.
“I’m responsible for the words that come out of my mouth,” Schlapp explained.
Watch the video below via CNN: