A Republican lawmaker clashed with an anchor during a live CNN broadcast on Thursday over the Iran war after four GOP House leaders broke from President Donald Trump and voted to rebuke the president over the military operation.
Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) and CNN's Brianna Keilar got into a heated exchange over what the Trump administration has planned to do next in the ongoing war, as gas prices skyrocket for Americans and the Senate now considers Trump's war powers in Iran. Haridopolos stated that he firmly stands behind Trump and his administration.
"The person I trust in this is President Trump," Haridopolos said. "And I trust Marco Rubio, he's been a 25-year friend of mine. He knows all the intricate details of what we're doing right now. The recommendation from the White House is to know all the details. They want to continue to keep the pressure on Iran as long as possible, because I know, look, we're all hurting with gas prices. We all recognize this, but what we have to do is finally eliminate this threat in Iran."
Keilar asked the Republican if he thought the administration was entering "quagmire territory."
"This is a real winnable situation — for the first time since 1979, to finally take out these crazy people in Iran," Haridopolos said. "And what we're trying to do is win the conflict. And I'm challenged, like you are, that no one likes the higher prices. But this is something we, the president, is willing to do."
Keilar pushed back and asked Haridopolos if the war was a "winnable situation."
He argued that Trump knew it would be a risk and unpopular, but that the president "believed the risk" was worth it.
The conversation heated up when Haridopolos said, "if we go with your plan" — and Keilar interjected.
"Your plan? It's not my plan," she said.
"You're pushing for it. So that's being said," Haridopolos responded.
"I'm telling you what Americans are saying," Keilar said, pushing back.
"This is unpopular. You have now Republicans who have experience in wars that have lasted a very long time," she added.
Haridopolos appeared frustrated with the anchor and said, "You want me to answer?"
The two bristled and spoke over each other.
"You can, but you just told me what I was saying. And I'm telling you, please don't put words in my mouth. But please continue on with what you wanted to say," Keilar said.
