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Fans Celebrate After Epic Tennis, Cricket, Formula One Results; England Beat New Zealand to Win Cricket World Cup; Djokovic Beats Federer at Wimbledon in Fifth Set Tiebreak; Interview with Elias Bou Saab, Lebanese Defense Minister, Israel and Hezbollah Threats; Trump to U.S. Congresswomen: Go Back to Home Countries; Republicans Largely Silent on Trump's Racist Tweets. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired July 15, 2019 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00] BECKY ANDERSON, CNNI HOST: Tonight absolutely and unmistakably racist . Explosive tweets coming from none other than the American
President targeting four Congresswomen and far from backing down, Donald Trump doubling down. We'll tell you exactly what he had to say.
Then, Iran's President laying out that he will talk to America, but there's a big if attached to that.
All across the Atlantic, Europe frantically trying to save the Nuclear Deal, a deal teetering on collapse.
That's all incredibly important, of course, but let's power down on the politics for a moment and slide it off to the side. Because I want to
start this hour with something magical, something ethereal, something inspiring, something powerful enough to make us leap out of our seats and
sing for joy, even amid the deluge, the avalanche of hard to take news.
I'm Becky Anderson live from Abu Dhabi and we turn to what else but the memories of what was quite simply one of the best days in sports ever. The
Sunday celebrations continuing well into today. The winners of Wimbledon, Formula One and World Cup Cricket celebrating their successes. It was just
as enjoyable for people watching from the edge of their seats.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: England!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The game of cricket gaining new fans after an unbelievably close final. England winning the World Cup only narrowly defeating New Zealand.
What a game. And the British newspapers can't get enough of it. A sea of blue on the front pages today with headlines like, "Who Said Cricket Was
Boring".
Formula One champion, Louis Hamilton, secured a record breaking sixth British Grand Prix. And in a match of the titans in tennis, Novak Djokovic
edging Roger Federer in an historic fifth set tie break, the first of its kind in a Wimbledon final. Christina Macfarlane is on arguably the most
famous tennis court in the world, Wimbledon's Center Court.
First though, let's get to Alex Thomas who is at the oval cricket ground for you today. It is the day after -- well, the night before some sore
heads for many fans, I'm sure, not just, Alex, the Barmy Army, the whole country it seems basking in the glory of this England cricket team's
success.
ALEX THOMAS, CNN WORLD SPORT: Yes, Becky, cricket's like an unwanted toy at back of the wardrobe that's been taken out, dusted off, held aloft and
enjoyed again. Here we are at the Oval where six and a half weeks ago back at the end of May England started their Cricket World Cup campaign as host,
optimistic, the top ranked team in the world after marvelous cricket over the last couple of years. They beat South Africa here, Ben Stokes taking a
spectacular catch, and we'll get to how much of a part Stokes paid in the final in just a moment.
So although the final was played at Lords on Sunday with England beating New Zealand, just by the fact they'd score more boundaries in the match.
They couldn't be separated with level scores after the 50 overs per side, and level scores after a super over each. Cricket's equivalent of the
football penalty shootout. So England winning by a dint of one obscure line in the rules of cricket. But they held the trophy aloft and done it
again here at the Oval this morning. Celebrating with friends and family and also lots of school children who have been invited in to enjoy the
moment. That's for sure.
But let's talk a little bit about Ben Stokes. Because his career was almost over when he got into trouble in a nightclub incident away from the
pitch a few years ago. Came back, was rehabilitated into the squad. He also lost England a T-20 world title in recent years after having his final
over. Smacked to all part of the ground by the West Indies. Now he's helped England win it with a man of the match performance in the Cricket
World Cup final.
[11:005:00] He was born in New Zealand, the team he beat, Becky. Lived there until he was 12 years old. His parents still lived there and this is
what his dad had to say about it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GED STOKES, FATHER OF BEN STOKES: It's great, like I went to work today and really supportive of the people coming up here and talking about it how
great it was. How great it was for being and for us as parents to be involved with that. So very supportive, although I have one or two say I
that was probably the most hated father in New Zealand right now. That was pretty tongue-in-cheek. However it was anyway.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
THOMAS: So Stokes is New Zealand born. There is a South African born batsman in Jason Roy in the team. Eoin Morgan, captain born in Ireland.
Jofra Archer who bowled the super over at the end of that Cricket World Cup final, born in Barbados. There are two Muslim players in the England team
as well. So no wonder Morgan joked when asked about the luck of the Irish after the match.
ANDERSON: Alex, a prominent politician trying to tie Brexit into the whole thing and falling a little bit flat. Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg tweeting
after the game. We clearly don't need Europe to win.
We're getting a lot of backlash online with people pointing out how diverse the team is, and you just alluded to this, England Captain Morgan had this
clever response in the press conference. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You think the luck of an Irishman got England over the line?
EOIN MORGAN, ENGLAND CRICKET CAPTAIN: We had Allah with us as well. I spoke to Adil, he said Allah was definitely with us. And I said we had the
rub of the green.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: There's certainly a diverse group of players, aren't they, that England cricket team?
THOMAS: They are, and the fact that they've gelled together, remember that Archer only joined England's squad a few months before this World Cup, only
became eligible that close and yet seamlessly fitted in. And like any great sport team, they are more than the sum of the parts. They have match
winners scattered throughout their lineup, 1 to 11. But they finally did something that no England cricket team down the years who are heroes. The
likes of Ian Botham and others have been unable to do. Forty-four years after this one-day Cricket World Cup tournament first started, England
finally champions, the sixth nation to do so. You've got to feel sorry for New Zealand, though, runners up for the second tournament running.
ANDERSON: Alex is at the Oval. That's the cricket stadium to the south of London, of course, it was at Lorde's that the spectacle unfolded yesterday.
Thank you.
Let's get to Christina. We will, I think, all remember, Christina, where we were when we witnessed what was possibly one of the greatest exhibitions
of tennis that I can certainly remember and I'm sure many people will agree with me. You were of course in SW 9 team at the home of tennis. And you
got to speak to the man himself, Novak Djokovic. What did he tell you after that great game?
CHRISTINA MACFARLANE, CNN WORLD SPORT: Well, Becky, before I come to that. I just have to take a moment. It's not often we're given access all areas
to Center Court. And I tell you we are here now, and we could hear a pin drop. It is so quiet, which is so different to exactly what happened 24
hours ago where it was like riding a roller coaster watching these two champions in action in a match that was the longest in Wimbledon's history
in the finals here. Four hours, 57 minutes, two titans of this court slugging it out. On the one side you've got the 20-time Grand Slam
champion, Roger Federer, in the other, you've got Novak Djokovic with 15 Grand Slams. Both of them at this point in their career is gunning to be
the best of all time.
But none of us expected, Becky, that this game would be quite so close. You know, we were two sets tied in this match. We went into a fifth set.
And here it was like a pendulum swinging back and forth between the two. You could sense the nervous energy of the players. And we of course went
into a tie break for the first time in Wimbledon history here since that rule was changed earlier this year. Federer had two chances to put this
game away, two championship points, but he faltered and that of course opened the door to Djokovic who never really looked back. The entire crowd
here on their feet as he took his fifth Wimbledon title. And afterwards at 11:00 P.M. last night, Becky, a good couple of hours after the game had
finished, I had a chance to catch up with him. He was still on his feet, still chirpy. But He told me this was the most mentally grueling match of
his entire career.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MACFARLANE: Novak, congratulations. Was this the biggest win of your career? Where does it rank in everything you've achieved?
[11:10:00] NOVAK DJOKOVIC, 2019 WIMBLEDON CHAMPION: Probably top two. Physically most demanding match against Nadal in finals of Australia, 2012,
and this was mentally most demanding. Because of the circumstances and Roger across the net, I was playing well, serving well. I had just
difficult time to read his serve, and he was match points up and serving. And, you know, in those moments you just try to stay there, try to stay
present and find that strength and so I believe in the end manage to pull it out. And I'm very, very, very happy and proud of the achievement today.
MACFARLANE: And exhausted.
DJOKOVIC: And exhausted as well, of course. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MACFARLANE: Exhausted but still standing. So with that win, Becky, he now moves within four Grand Slams of Roger Federer and the race to be the
greatest of all time is hutting up. Only four separating now the big three.
ANDERSON: Look, you have -- you rarely get to broadcast from where you are. So, Christina, if you can get the camera man just to open up a bit
and we can sort of soak in Center Court. And just remind us atmospherically, as you say, you can hear a pin drop at present. You could
hear a pin drop during that match last night at times, but the crowd, it has to be said, the crowd was with Federer, wasn't it?
MACFARLANE: Oh, absolutely it was, Becky. I just want to bring in my guest, Ravi Ubha. He's a tennis broadcaster and writer who was down with
me at the game yesterday. We were living every moment, Ravi, throughout this match. And as Becky says, a very partisan crowd here, Becky. Even up
here in the Royal box where we saw the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who in the fifth set, Ravi, really broke out into I think a lot of applause for
Federer. There was, what, 90 percent of this stadium in his favor?
RAVI UBHA, TENNIS WRITER AND BROADCASTER: Certainly in his favor. He's such a crowd favorite is Federer. You know, just on this baseline we saw
some historic moments. Federer had those couple of match points. Djokovic comes up with an incredible forehand pass onto Federer served. And then on
this baseline was how the match eventually ended. The miss hit by Federer on the four which went into the sky. Which disappointed probably as you
say, the majority of fans on Center Court.
MACFARLANE: And of course, Becky, just behind me on the right-hand side is where Djokovic bent down and ate the grass as he does in every victory he
has here on Wimbledon. Five now, Ravi. What does this mean for him now? Is he unleashed? Is he going to take down Federer do you think?
Well you know what, as you said, Christina, the first time he's gotten to within four of Roger Federer. 20-16 with Rafa Nadal in the middle. U.S.
open is coming up. Obviously, he's won there. He's the defending champion. He loves playing on hard courts and time is on his side. He's
32. Roger is going to be 38 next month. So in that chase to get the most Grand Slams you have to say, he's looking very good if the motivation
remains.
MACFARLANE: Yes, and one last thing I want to show you, Becky, -- thank you, Ravi -- is this seat right here. Because I think this must be the
best seat in all of sports and certainly yesterday as we watched this match unfold. What was going through that person's mind I have no idea, but I am
incredibly jealous.
ANDERSON: Good for you. But you're there now. You're there now for the time being. Look, a remarkable day. The coverage has been fantastic. I
guess the last question is simply this, how long will he go on? I mean, it seems terribly ageist to be talking about Federer's ripe old age of 37, you
know, but he's a sportsman. It must take its toll. Should we expect to see him, you know, close out this season, get into the slam season next
year? What do you think?
MACFARLANE: I mean, my personal opinion is that, yes, we will expect to see him go on. One of the interesting things in the press conference that
he said yesterday is that he wasn't sad by this loss, but he was angry. Remember, this is the second time at Wimbledon he has been taken down by
his two big opponents. The first one was 2008, Rafael Nadal, this one was Novak Djokovic. I think -- I spoke to Federer earlier this year. I asked
him about retirement, and he said he wasn't done just yet. He's still, I think, also wants to play in the Olympics. Remember, we've got Tokyo 2020
coming up next year. He still hasn't won an Olympic gold medal. I think after this loss, he's going to want to come back and try again for number
nine next year, Becky.
ANDERSON: Christina is on Center Court. Alex is at the Oval. To both of you, what a weekend. What a Sunday. It's got to be the best ever. Thank
you, you guys were very much part of that. What a wonderful day for sport. Taking us away from the troubles of a world, of the world for a moment, but
there are plenty of big news stories making headlines today. Let's get to them.
First France demanding questions about the detention of a dual French/Iranian citizen in Iran. The French foreign ministry says it has
been denied consular access to Fariba Adelkhah, as well as details of her arrest.
[11:15:02] She is a researcher at a prestigious university in Paris.
Well her arrest risks increasing tensions between France and Iran at a critical moment in negotiations over the Iran Deal. France, of course,
among the countries trying to save the international agreement meant to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. European Union foreign ministers holding
crisis talks today in Brussels. Iran says it will return to full compliance with the agreement -- or the deal as it's known -- only when
European signatories honor their commitment to shield Tehran from U.S. sanctions.
CNN's international diplomatic editor, Nic Robertson, following developments as you would expect from London. If then, Nic, the Europeans
go big on saving the deal as they are, they of course risk the Trump administration's wrath. If they let the deal go, if they let it crumble, a
realistic way of course to keep -- that they'd lose this way to keep Iran in check. What realistically are the options for the Europeans at this
point?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Well, I think they're trying to -- they're trying to put that forward, and I think that's what we
heard over the weekend. Number one, it is to speak with a unified voice, and we certainly heard that from the French, Germans and the British, who
are the cosignatories along with the United States, Russia and China and the EU of course, to the JCPOA that nuclear deal.
What they said at the weekend was that they're concerned about the United States' actions as well as Iran's actions. So in a way they're calling
both sides out here. And I think what we're hearing from the Iranians is very much in keeping with what they've said all along a year ago or more
than a year ago. They said it was up to the European signatories to keep the deal alive, and they've started breaking the terms of that deal.
Because they said that, you know, the Europeans weren't doing that.
We've heard from the spokesman from the Iran's atomic energy agency saying that in essence they will roll back to where they were four years ago
before this deal was signed in two monthly well-announced increments. So you know, they're talking about a two-way street, but they're also keeping
up the pressure. But I think perhaps if you listen to the President, Rouhani, we get the clearest indication of the direction of travel at the
moment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HASSAN ROUHANI, IRANIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): We are always ready for negotiations. In this very hour, in this moment we are ready for
talks provided that you stop your act of aggression, stop your sanctions and return to the negotiation table and return to logic.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROBERTSON: So he's really talking about the United States there, but this is kind of the sort of log jam we were at in this discussion, or they were
in this discussion before -- before the sort of attacks on the tankers in the Gulf, before the shooting down of the U.S. drone, before the British
took possession along with Gibraltar of an Iranian oil tanker of the Straits of Gibraltar on the way to break sanctions in Syria. So you know,
we're sort of getting back to the language before. But can we get back to that diplomatic space to actually move forward? That's not entirely clear.
ANDERSON: Nic Robertson is on the story out of London. Nic, appreciate it, thank you.
Hezbollah's chief and the Israeli Prime Minister exchanging threats over what could happen if the U.S. attacks Iran. We're going to talk a lot more
about that with a very special guest on the show tonight. The Lebanese defense minister is just ahead. And the uproar over Donald Trump's latest
Twitter storm, some say it may be his most racist tweet yet. That's coming up.
[11:20:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Let's pick up where we just left off before that short break. The potential collapse of the Iran nuclear agreement has -- well, it has
the entire region where we are -- of course, this is our Middle East broadcasting hub here in Abu Dhabi -- on edge. And now we are seeing
escalating threats about what might happen if Iran were to come under attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is firing back at Hezbollah's leader. After Hassan Nasrallah said Israel would not be spared if war
broke out between the U.S. and Iran. Warning that Hezbollah rockets could reach Tel Aviv.
Mr. Netanyahu says any such attack would trigger crushing retaliation.
I want to talk more about this and other regional issues tonight with Lebanon's Defense Minister, Elias Bou Saab. Thank you, sir, for joining
us. Iran threatening to mobilize its proxies around the region if attacked, and you have heard the exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel.
What do you make of what is going on at present, and how would you respond if Hezbollah were, for example, to attack Israel?
ELIAS BOU SAAB, LEBANESE DEFENCE MINISTER: Thank you for having me. As you know, the Lebanese official policy is to disassociate ourselves from
the conflict in the region. We do not wish to take part in any escalation that may take place. To the contrary, we call on all sides, all parties to
try and open more dialogue, and you know, find a resolution. Find a solution to the situation, a peaceful one, through negotiation, through
discussion, through the deal that was -- or still is in place but now is being threatened.
ANDERSON: Right, there's a triangulation going on here, though, isn't there? As we see this kind of rhetoric developing around Iran, and we
don't know as of yet where the diplomacy may be the way out of here. Certainly we may be seeing just the start of signs of that. But look, what
about this issue between Lebanon and Israel? Resolution 1701 keeps the peace between Lebanon and Israel. Are you fully committed to that come
what may? Because Hezbollah isn't necessarily, is it? And that group makes up a significant portion of the Lebanese government these days.
BOU SAAB: Despite the fact of the several violations to the 1701 from the Israeli side on daily basis, whether through the air, the land, or the sea.
Lebanon's official position is that we are still officially committed to 1701. We wish to find a peaceful resolution to the demarcation of our land
and sea, you know, border between Lebanon and the Israeli side. We do not wish that this escalation will take any other form, whether military or
otherwise. We do hope that the latest negotiation or the latest discussion that is taking place and is spearheaded by ambassador -- by the United
States in particular, by Satterfield will, you know, will prove to have effective results. Because if we find a permanent solution to our borders,
to the demarcation, that definitely will ease the tension on the southern border, on the Lebanese southern border.
[11:25:00]But the Israelis must show seriousness and must also give all the necessary signs that they do not wish to attack Lebanese territory and they
do not wish to enter into any conflict with Lebanon in that regard.
ANDERSON: Right, I hear what you're saying. I want to talk about the threats from Hezbollah here. For the first time ever, the U.S. has imposed
sanctions on Hezbollah officials who are also members of Parliament in Lebanon. Your country's Parliament Speakers slam the move as an attack on
Lebanon itself. We know Hezbollah has already been feeling the squeeze of U.S. sanctions. Hassan Nasrallah came out and asked supporters for
donations back in March. In this sense to your mind, are these sanctions from the U.S. having their desired impact on this Iranian proxy?
BOU SAAB: I don't think the sanctions on individuals, especially politicians in Lebanon, will make any difference or will pay for the
results that the U.S. is hoping for. To the contrary, it puts Lebanon in an awkward situation. We are talking about politicians that have been
elected officially in Lebanon, and the government is obliged to pay them their salaries, so this is something that we need to discuss further with
the Americans. I know that the Lebanese banking system is in compliance and will remain to be in compliance. We do not wish to violate any
international sanctions that may affect our banking system. However, this situation is not easy for us, not easy for our government. We will have to
probably open wider dialogue with the United States and talk about it for the future.
ANDERSON: OK. I want to talk about relations with Israel. There is much talk of normalizing relations with Israel across the Middle East,
particularly from the Gulf, as key to Middle East and indeed Lebanese peace. Do you buy that? Do you agree that normalization is the best
prospect for peace going forward?
BOU SAAB: You know, there's been several proposals in the past. The Arab League has made a proposal in Beirut if you'll recall, and this was not
taken forward. The Israeli side did not accept the terms of the peace proposal that's been put in Beirut.
Today here in London, I attended a lunch where Theresa May spoke about the solution. She spoke about the 1967 border. She spoke about Jerusalem
being the capital of both, you know, both sides and a viable Palestinian state. She spoke about probably swapping of the land.
These are conditions that the Arabs would like to hear. However, I don't think this is now on the agenda, especially after what President Trump has
announced on the Golan Heights. So such announcements will complicate things rather than facilitating, you know, a peace process in that regard.
I will also end up by saying, we will go back to the Arab League. Lebanon is part of the Arab League. Whatever is decided by the Arab League,
Lebanon would be probably the last country to accept what the Arab League will decide. Because we are at the frontlines and we are in a situation
where we are still disputing a land that's been occupied by the Israelis in Lebanon, and I'm talking about the Golan Heights and the Shebaa Farms.
ANDERSON: Two questions to you, sir. I want to talk about negotiations with Israel to agree a maritime border. I know that there were reports
that an Israeli vessel went into Lebanese waters just today. I wonder if you can confirm that and respond to these -- this talk about a maritime
border. Where do you see that at present?
BOU SAAB: Well, as I said, you know, Ambassador Satterfield has made an effort, probably in the past three to four months. I thought that the last
time he visited Lebanon that we were close to a start, at least the talks, through -- under the umbrella of the United Nations. I still feel that
this is doable. This can happen. We want to negotiate. We don't want to lose one inch of our land. We don't want to lose one inch of our territory
in the sea. But at the same time, I am hopeful that we can reach a conclusion. Because all what we're asking for is the proper demarcation
that exists according to international law.
[11:30:00] It is very difficult for the Israelis to go and say, despite what the international law says and what the international community and
the experts in that field will say, we still want to take more of the Lebanese land. This is not going to happen. For that reason, the faster
we move into accepting the reality as it is, the better we will be with the future and we save the world -- or at the region with an unnecessary
tension that can happen between Lebanon and Israel.
ANDERSON: Right. Which is something that many experts are extremely concerned about the prospect of another conflict. It's been many expert's
biggest concerns --
BOU SAAB: For many reasons, Becky.
ANDERSON: -- in this region for 2019. Thank you.
BOU SAAB: I have to mention, for many reasons --
ANDERSON: Sorry, I've got -- I've got to take a break, we'll pick this up. We'll pick this up next time. Thank you. I do have to take a short break,
guys, back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: You're watching CNN and CONNECT THE WORLD with me, Becky Anderson. Welcome back. I've just been speaking to Lebanon's Defense
Minister discussing the roiling Middle East region, not least the concerns about what might happen next between the U.S. and Iran and the fallout from
any potential ratcheting up of those tensions. Well, that of course puts the U.S. administration under Donald Trump front and center in this region.
Donald Trump himself and backing down, two things that do not go together. So it should come as no surprise that after being accused of making a
blatantly racist tweet, the U.S. President responded with an attack, not an apology. When it all started when Mr. Trump tweeted that Democratic
Congresswomen should go back to their home countries. The attack plays on a frequent white nationalist notion that people of color are not real
Americans.
Joining me now, two people with very different views on the American President, Congressman Adriano Espaillat is a Democrat who represents New
York City, he was born outside the U.S., in the Dominican Republic, but has lived in the U.S. for more than 50 years. I'm also joined by Jack Kingston
who was a Republican member of Congress for 12 years and a senior adviser to the Trump campaign in 2016. How do you feel about what are clearly
blatant attacks -- Jack?
[11:35:00] JACK KINGSTON, FORMER SENIOR ADVISER, TRUMP CAMPAIGN: Well, I'd say this, Becky. Number one, if you're on the left you're going to say
it's a racist attack because that's your default position on everything. This is a group after all that last week accused --
ANDERSON: But these are racist attacks.
KINGSTON: Becky, I think they overplayed their hand last week.
ANDERSON: How are they not racist attacks, I guess is the question:
KINGSTON: Well, the same way that they accused Nancy Pelosi of racism last week because there were four people involved. But let me say this, though,
if you're on the right you're going to look at it as these are four members of Congress who have been consistently anti-American and anti-Semitic, and
if you're a normal person you're going to recognize this as political posturing from the Democrats and the Republicans and it's just par for the
course these days.
ANDERSON: Can I ask you before I move on to Adriano, sorry Adriano, and I will bring you in, what is it about what these women have said that makes
them anti-American? It's easy to say something like that and then hope that everybody believes what you say, I'm just interested in what you
believe is anti-American about what they're saying?
KINGSTON: Becky, I would say this as somebody who has supported Trump, I'm called a racist. I'm called a white supremacist, a white nationalist over
and over again, I might say that. I don't think that's very American. I think it's very anti-American not to accept the results of the election.
You call your own President morally bankrupt, that to me you're attacking - - I understand you don't like the President but is your hatred of him such that you can't stand the title and you want to make him delegitimate as the
President of the United States. In terms of Israel, think about the statement it's all about the Benjamins.
ANDERSON: OK. Let me stop you there. Let me stop you there. I want to bring in Adriano here. Hang on, sir. Adriano, your response to what
you're hearing here?
REP. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT (D-NY): First of all, dissent is patriotic. This country was built on dissent, it was built on a slogan of taxation without
representation. We thought different than the crown, and we gained independence from the crown, to the former Congressman's perhaps surprise,
he may not know that all but one of these women were born in the United States. He may not know that all but one of these women were born in the
United States. They are as American as he is.
One of them was born in the Bronx, an area that I now represent. Maybe he hasn't been to a Yankees game to know that the Bronx is in the United
States. But they're all Americans.
ANDERSON: Hold on a sec --
ESPAILLAT: I allow you to speak. I allowed you to speak. You will not dominate -- dissent is patriotic.
KINGSTON: But you're lying about what I said.
ANDERSON: Jack, hold on.
ESPAILLAT: Dissent is patriotic.
ANDERSON: Jack, hold on.
ESPAILLAT: There you go again. There you go again. You disallow people to speak. Our caucus is very diverse. Our caucus has the blue dogs. They
are sort of like Democrats, moderate to the right. We have the problem solvers. They're middle of the road Democrats. We have the Congressional
Black Caucus, the Hispanic caucus. We have people like the four young women that he's talking about that are center to left and left to left.
We're a very diverse caucus. We look different. We come from all parts of the world.
We speak different languages. We're LGBT members. We don't look like him. The other side of the aisle is very monolithic. We have very strong
debates among ourselves, very robust arguments, sometimes very contentious, but at the end of the day, we build consensus. We come to the dinner table
and we break bread together. I think that's what America's all about.
ANDERSON: Thanks, Adriano. Republicans in Congress being criticized for not taking on the President on this issue, to both of you I just want to
play you some sound from just a short time ago. This is what Senate Republican Lindsey Graham said when he was asked about the President's
tweets.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): Aim higher. You don't need to -- they are American citizens. They won an election. Take on their policies. The
bottom line here is this is a diverse country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: His message attacks their policies, not the people themselves. Jack, he does not say the President was wrong to deliver a blatantly racist
message, though, does he, and you I guess agree with him?
KINGSTON: Becky, I would say this, number one, politically I wish the President would stay out of a fight within the Democrat caucus and they are
having -- they are splintering, and we all know that. I was in Congress for 22 years. I've never seen the Democrats parties -- I've never seen,
for example, somebody attack the Speaker of the House of their own party and then allow her chief of staff to do it. Never seen anything like that.
And so to me I wish the President had not of attacked them. I'm in agreement they're all Americans. I wish the President had stayed out of it
because it was enjoyable to watch, and so I would say this that, again, I know everything is racist if you're a Democrat because that's your default
position on anybody who disagrees with you, but I would say this in terms of their right to speak out, I support it 100 percent.
[11:40:00] Our right to argue about it is our right as well. So I mean, this is just part of the --
ANDERSON: I've got a minute left. I'm going to get to Adriano here. Last word.
ESPAILLAT: I'm glad to hear the former Congressman agree with the Senator that the President shouldn't have made those statements. In fact, you
know, he may feel -- he may have some wishful thinking and think that we are dramatically divided but in fact, you saw how our leader Nancy Pelosi,
and I know he shivers when he hears the name Nancy Pelosi because she's a true leader. I like to have her in the room with the boys when the pizza
pie is cut up and she does well for our caucus and the American people, but she coalesced around those four young women this weekend. He may think
we're divided but we're a lot longer than he thinks.
KINGSTON: They did not vote the majority, you know that.
ESPAILLAT: We're going to stick together and vote the majority.
KINGSTON: -- last word, you know that.
ESPAILLAT: Thank you, thank you so much.
ANDERSON: Adriano, Jack, I am going to let you argue amongst yourselves. We are out of this show, thank you viewers for watching. This was CONNECT
THE WORLD. In fact, we've got some parting shots for you. Hold on. Going to take a very short break first.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: We have made time for this tonight. Your Parting Shots. She may be about to stop leading a nation. But Theresa May still leading the
charge on the dance floor. She busted out a victory dance Sunday after England's win in the Cricket World Cup. But it is not the first time we've
seen her moves, of course. You'll remember this bit of dance floor diplomacy, this dance performance with scouts in Nairobi, Kenya. Many more
sports celebrations up ahead on WORLD SPORT.
For now, that's it from us, I'm Becky Anderson, that was CONNECT THE WORLD. Thank you for watching.
[11:45:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(WORLD SPORT)
[12:00:00]
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