Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama stumbled when he tried to backtrack on his position that calling white nationalists racist was an “opinion.” RadarOnline.com has learned.
Tuberville’s facepalm moment happened Monday night during CNN’s debut The source presented by Kaitlan Collins.
Collins questioned Tuberville during a radio interview he gave in May when asked whether or not white nationalists should be allowed to enlist in the U.S. military. Tuberville appeared to defend white nationalists, replying, “Well, that’s what they call them. I call them Americans.”
While Collins gave the red state senator a chance to reverse his remark, Tuberville did not help his case.
“Would you like to elaborate on those remarks, Senator?” Collins asked Tuberville, who seemed annoyed that he had to solve the problem again.
“Yes, first of all I am totally against any form of racism, okay?” Tuberville replied in a gruff tone. “I was a football coach for 40 years. And I acted and had the opportunity to deal with more minorities than anyone else here on this hill.”
“But to be clear, you agree that white nationalists should not serve in the United States military. Is that what you mean?’ Collins pressed.
Despite the backlash, Tuberville refused to condemn white nationalism outright and continued to dance around the host’s question.
“If people think a white nationalist is a racist, I agree. I agree that they —” Tuberville said before Collins interjected, “a white nationalist is someone who believes that the white race is superior to other races.”
“Well, that’s some people’s opinion. And I don’t think…” replied the senator, stumbling over his words.
Collins reiterated that the definition was not an opinion before addressing the elephant in the room. “What’s your opinion?” she asked.
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“My opinion of a white nationalist—if anyone wants to call them that—is, I think, an American. It’s an American,” Tuberville stated boldly. “Now, if that white nationalist is a racist, I’m totally against anything they want to do because I’m 110% against racism.”
Tuberville added that he was “totally against identity politics” and did not think enlisted white nationalists would consider race when defending the country.
“You said a white nationalist is an American. But a white nationalist is one who believes horrific things. Do you really think that’s someone who should serve in the military?’ Collins asked.
“Well, that’s just a name it’s been given. I mean…” said Tuberville before Collins interrupted, “it’s a real definition. There are real concerns about extremism.’
Tuberville was noticeably agitated at Collins and fired back: “So if you want to remove most of the white people in this country from the military, we’re in huge trouble.”
“It’s not people who are white. It’s white nationalists. You see the difference, don’t you?” Collins said.
“They have different beliefs,” Tuberville replied, still uncomprehending. “Now, if racism is one of those beliefs, I’m totally against it. I’m totally against racism.”
“But that’s a white nationalist. A white nationalist is racist, Senator,” Collins repeated.
“Well, that’s your opinion,” Tuberville replied before Collins ended the interview. “That is your opinion.”