CNN's normally stoic Dana Bash made fun of the Republican leadership on Wednesday morning as they stammered and fled reporters seeking a comment on Donald Trump's plan to occupy Gaza by moving 2 million Palestinians out.
The president set off a firestorm on Tuesday during a press conference where he said he thought it would be a great idea for the U.S. to make the war-torn Gaza Strip the "Riviera of the Middle East."
To the delight of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump told reporters, "The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, we'll own it, and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site … level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area," before adding, "I do see a long-term ownership position."
ALSO READ: 'Driven to self-loathing': Inside the extremist website believed to 'groom' teen attackers
Late Tuesday and early Wednesday, Trump's proposal had Republicans scrambling.
On CNN, "Inside Politics" host Bash showed a clip of House Majority Leader Mike Johnson (R-LA) searching for words as he told reporters, "A — look, there'll be more details forthcoming on that, of course. The initial announcement yesterday, I think, was greeted by surprise by many, but cheered by, I think, people all around the world."
In a subsequent clip, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) didn't fare much better as he fled into a room while using his aides as human shields to keep reporters away. Thune could be heard saying, "... a more peaceful and secure Middle East ––put some ideas out there," as he threw his hands up.
"Homina, homina, I think is another way to say it," Bash smirked as the clip ended. and her panel laughed.
Prior to the clips running Bash pepped her audience, by explaining, "Well, it's a good thing that John Thune, the Senate Majority Leader, is a runner, so he does stretch every morning. I'm not sure about Mike Johnson, but he's definitely more of a yoga guy."
