CNN’s Chris Cuomo defended his comments made two weeks ago differentiating violence coming from Antifa versus the alt-right on his show Wednesday night.
WATCH:
Cuomo’s panel consisted of pro-Trump contributor Steve Cortes and anti-Trump contributor Angela Rye. They were discussing the president’s warning of violence — should the GOP lose this coming fall — when things got heated.
“Chris, you know who disagrees with it, unfortunately? You do. Because you equivocated on this very point on your show,” Steve Cortes said before getting cut off. (RELATED: Angela Rye Questions Ron DeSantis’ Intelligence- Cuomo’s Eye Brow Raise Says It All)
“I never equivocated on anything. You let your writing mouthpieces twist my words for effect to enhance a bigoted agenda. And now you’re going to sell it. It’s a mistake on this show. I said, very clearly — and people can check my words — you break the law, you’re a criminal and a thug,” Cuomo retaliated. “I said don’t create an immoral equation between those who preach hate and those who fight it, because not all punches are equal. And I stand by that. But I never endorsed Antifa. Don’t sell B.S.”
The segment Cortes and Cuomo were arguing over, about whether or not the latter endorsed Antifa, took place on August 14. His closing argument came in regard to an Antifa protest in front of the White House the previous weekend.
While Cuomo did say that people resorting to violence are thugs regardless of their politics, he also said, “All punches are not equal morally. In the eyes of the law, yes.” (RELATED: CNN’s Chris Cuomo Excuses Violence Because ‘All Punches Are Not Equal Morally’)
He continued, “When someone comes to call out bigots and it gets hot, even physical, are they equally as wrong as the bigot they’re fighting? I argue no. Fighting against hate matters. Now, how you fight matters, too — there’s no question about that.”
Follow Mike on Twitter.