'So you're not a genius?' Republican clashes with war veteran over mass deportation plan
A Republican strategist sparred with an Iraq War veteran on Monday night during a discussion over President-elect Donald Trump's plan to use the military on American soil to carry out his mass deportation campaign pledge.
Paul Rieckhoff told fellow guests on CNN's "NewsNight" there's nothing more serious than asking a member of the U.S. military to deploy "opposite American civilians."
"It is really a sacred and terrifying prospect for anyone who's been in uniform," he said, adding that he's been in combat overseas. "You can send me to Iraq but to send me across from American protesters and situations like we've seen across America is wrought with a tremendous burden you're going to put on men and women in uniform."
Rieckhoff later urged Americans to be "extremely cautious" against those who have said they want to deploy the military on U.S. soil.
Responding to Rieckhoff, GOP strategist Scott Jennings pointed out that the military isn't being deployed against U.S. citizens, but rather undocumented immigrants.
"Which I think most people would agree is a national emergency, is a national security emergency, " he said.
When Jennings tried to add that the country has deployed the National Guard on American soil in the past, Rieckhoff interjected, "to wildfires."
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"To the border," Jennings shot back.
"To wildfires," insisted Rieckhoff.
"No, to the border," Jennings retorted.
"In small numbers," Rieckhoff replied, cracking a smile.
The two then started talking over one another with a frustrated Jennings stating: "You got to make your speech. Let me —"
But Rieckhoff wouldn't back down.
"Is it a debate with you or am I answering questions with the host? Because every time I come on you want to sidetrack to take me into your talking points," Rieckhoff said.
"By all means have at it, my friend. You're the expert," Jennings, visibly fed-up, shot back.
The two continued talking over each other, as Rieckhoff said he wasn't an expert, he's just a "concerned citizen," and Jennings firing back, "Well you act like one."
"Have you served in uniform?" asked Rieckhoff.
"I have served as a United States citizen," responded Jennings, who said he's read reports on where the National Guard has been sent.
"Have you been to the border?" Jennings attacked. When Rieckhoff said he had not, Jennings continued: "Oh! So you're not a genius."
"Go on. By all means. Have at it," Jennings concluded.
Watch the tense exchange below or at this link.