At its public event yesterday, CNN provided a podium for almost an hour to Donald Trump, which reaffirmed some of its most inflammatory positions. The former president answered questions from a mostly friendly audience, touching on topics such as the right to abortion, war in Ukraine and the 2020 elections.
When asked if he acknowledges his victory Biden in the 2024 election, if he comes first, Trump replied, “Of course, if the election is fair, yes.” His comment prompted a strong reaction from host Caitlan Collins, who responded, “The election was not rigged, Mr. President, you can’t do this all night.”
After this dialogue, Trump said he was “ready” to pardon many people convicted of their invasion of the Capitol January 6, 2021, stating that their intentions were not bad and that if elected, he would pardon them.
‘Make Europe Pay for Ukraine’ rape case is a ‘ridiculous story’ thanks to Capitol occupiers, some of what he said in his CNN speech.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the former president chose not to take a position in favor of the defenders. “I want them to stop dying. Russians and Ukrainians. And I could do it in a day,” he commented, adding that he would make Europe pay for this war. “Europeans think we are stupid, let them pay for Ukraine,” he said.
As for the verdict handed down earlier this week for the rape of journalist Jean Carroll, Trump reiterated what he has always supported. “It’s a ridiculous story. I don’t know who this woman is, this is the first time I’ve seen her.”
Criticism online
The network, which Trump even filed a defamation suit against, was heavily criticized for providing a platform for the former president and for the audience that chose to watch the debate and ask him questions. “CNN should be ashamed,” Democratic Congresswoman and activist Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. “They have lost control of this show. They contained campaign disinformation, a January 6 defense, and a public attack on a victim of sexual assault.” For its part, the network supported the choice, emphasizing that it is the democratic right of citizens to listen to the arguments of the opposition leader.
“Our job is to ask tough questions so voters get the information they need to make their choice,” CNN said in a statement.
Source: Kathimerini
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