Axelrod calls Al Green 'despicable' for Trump address protest

Democratic strategist David Axelrod described Rep. Al Green’s (D-Texas) outbursts at President Trump’s address to Congress as “despicable.”

“I think what Al Green did was despicable. I liked Elissa Slotkin’s speech. I think that’s where Democrats should go,” Axelrod said during a Tuesday CNN appearance. 

“That doesn’t obviate the fact that you shouldn’t exploit our differences. You should try and solve problems and heal our differences. I don’t see that inclination on the part of this president,” he added. 

Green was removed by the sergeant at arms after disrupting the president’s speech by shouting, “He needs to save Medicaid” while raising his cane and pointing it in Trump’s direction. 

Axelrod’s comments were prompted by Scott Jennings, who suggested Democrats should have stood during Trump’s comments recognizing recently freed Russian detainee Marc Fogel or during other moments of the address. 

However, Green said the protest was necessary to recognize the drastic impact social service cuts will have on individuals across the nation.

“I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” Green said. “I have people who are very fearful, these are poor people and they all need Medicaid in their lives when it comes to their health care.”

Democrats notably protested the president’s address by either not attending or raising plaques with messages describing Trump’s remarks as “false” and leaving in the middle of his oration. 

Republicans largely cheered and stood granting the president applause on numerous occasions and defending Trump amid criticism from those in the chamber.