'Let me finish': Dem and GOP insiders spar on MSNBC over 'both sides' comparison
Doug Heye and Cornell Belcher's heated debate on MSNBC (MSNBC Screenshot) 2025-05-23

Republican Strategist Doug Heye and Democratic Strategist Cornell Belcher got into a heated debate on MSNBC’s Chris Jansing Reports Friday afternoon.

The pair was sparring over President Donald Trump’s crypto dinner and VIP tour.

“Is Cornell right? do republicans need to speak up about this?” Anchor Chris Jansing asked.

“I think they should and I have, Chris,” Heye said, “but let me be clear, worst words you could hear as a Republican if you're on TV with a Democrat, and I like and respect Cornell, is both sides.”

Heye went on to say, “So what is everybody in Washington talking about this week? They're not talking about the bill.”

Later adding, “We're hearing from democratic senators, members of congress, his own cabinet officials, that they couldn't get access to their President because he was unfit for the job and if that's both sides of it well, it was wrong when Joe Biden did it and it's wrong when Donald Trump does it.”

Heye concluded, “Yes, there are different degrees of things, but Joe Biden could not serve as president, and what Donald Trump is doing is wrong. Saying both of those things should not be a problem.”

“Cornell, weigh in,” Jansing said.

“So, Doug," Belcher said. "You're equating a potential with the idea that that that that that Biden—”

“I’m saying they're both wrong,” Heye interjected.

“Oh, let me finish. let me finish, I let you finish,” Belcher clapped back.

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“So you're equating the fact that you couldn't see Biden potentially because he was old to the fact that you can get access to the president of the United States by putting $1.8 million on a bitcoin, and then you can get access to him and talk." Belcher added, "Doug, you are better than that is both sides. You can't attack President Biden for his being –”

The pair then spared words inaudibly before Jansing interjected.

“I don't want to get off topic here,” Jansing said. “The topic here is whether or not it's okay to pay $1.8 million to go to dinner with a sitting president.”

“No,” Heye said.

“Cornell, the question I have for you, though, is what if they don't speak up? Will any Republican pay a price? Will Donald Trump pay a price for this?"

“Well, Donald Trump probably won't pay a price for it, right? Because only Congress can put him in check. And they're failing to do that, do their duty. But I got a feeling that republicans in Congress are going to pay a price for it and in the midterm.”

Heye attempted to give his two cents, but Jansing then ended the segment and tossed to break.

Watch the full heated interaction below or click the link.

- YouTubeyoutu.be