'Let's fact-check right there': CNN panelists clash in tense exchange over swing state
A Republican was on the receiving end of a fact-check Friday night from a Democrat on CNN in a tense exchange over Michigan Arab-Americans.
Nayyera Haq, a former senior director in the Obama White House, told panelists a key piece of former President Donald Trump's plans include bombing Iran.
"This is an active part of Donald Trump's national security policy," she said. "Take on Iran in the Middle East. That would be devastating."
Shermichael Singleton, a Republican strategist, pivoted to questioning whether Vice President Kamala Harris' plans are sticking in the Arab-American community in Michigan.
"Why aren't they supporting her in droves the way that her campaign would like?" he asked.
"I have the answer for you," Haq shot back.
"Wait a minute — I would also like to add that the former president's daughter is married to a Lebanese-American," said Singleton.
He was referring to Tiffany Trump, who is married to Michael Boulos.
"His father has spent a significant amount of time in Michigan," said Singleton. "We're not really talking about this a lot. There's a lot of local reporting in Michigan about this, and he's been making a very, very strong argument for the former president for why Lebanese and Arab-Americans should consider Trump over Vice President Harris, and I don't think we should tacitly overlook that either."
Haq, who was born to Pakistani parents, told Singleton Democrats are "not overlooking that."
"Trust me in the community that I come from, people are deeply aware of these disconnects right now," she said.
They're also aware, said Haq, that Harris met with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "and called him out to his face, which had not been done until then, calling for a two-state solution and a ceasefire."
Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have also engaged with the community, she said, and "will not lie to their face" about policies.
Singleton wasn't persuaded.
ALSO READ: Donald Trump believes he’s going to lose
"So why is she still behind with the community?" he asked.
When Haq said she would not lie to the community, he repeated his question.
"So she's behind because she won't lie?"
Haq seized on his question.
"She's not behind Trump with the community. I'm not sure what polling you're —" she tried to say, as the panel began talking over each other.
"It's not my polling!" said Singleton. "It's not my —"
"So let's fact-check right there," said Haq. "She is not behind."
Host Abby Phillip cut off the guests and said while there isn't great polling numbers in Michigan for that demographic, President Joe Biden led Trump 64%-35% before he dropped out.
"So Harris isn't probably doing worse than Biden," she said.
The two clashed again after Singleton said about 100,000 Michiganders voted "uncommitted" in the Democratic primary, accounting for about 13% of the Democratic electorate. Listen to Michigan organized the campaign and billed it as a way to clap back at the Biden administration’s support of Israel's actions in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
"So that's an indication that those voters may not vote for the vice president? That's certainly something that I would be concerned about," said Singleton.
Haq wouldn't back down though, and called it a "sophisticated strategy within a party structure to make sure your voice is heard."
Watch the clip below or at this link.