A visibly irritated CNN host Kate Bolduan called out Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on Friday, suggesting he wasn't adequately prepared for the interview.
During an appearance on “CNN News Central,” Massie was asked about his past criticism of Nikki Haley after the presidential candidate claimed Wednesday that Massie is the “most anti-Israel Republican” in Congress. .
Massey, who supports Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the presidential race, bragged that Haley was living in her head “rent-free” and with “a lot of empty space,” before Haley voted for him. He claimed that he had not read the Israel-related bill. He also accused Mr. Haley of using the war to express sentiments against free speech.
Mr. Bolduan then referred to the pro-Israel resolution that Mr. Massey voted against. The resolution, which “reaffirms the right to exist for the state of Israel,” in part “rejects demands” for the destruction of Israel and condemns attacks by Hamas against the Jewish state.
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CNN host Kate Bolduan became visibly irritated when U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie suggested he wasn't adequately prepared for the interview. (CNN/Screenshot)
“I recognize that denying Israel's right to exist is a form of anti-Semitism. You do not support–” Bolduan said before cutting Massi off.
“That's the name of the resolution. Congratulations, you were able to read the name of the resolution. I will not vote for the name of the resolution,” Massey interjected.
“Oh, Congressman, I don't think you're trying to question my intelligence right now, are you?” Bolduan replied.
Massey denied Bolduan's claims, saying Bolduan was simply saying he didn't have time to prepare for an interview like he did.
“You mean those two pages that I took two minutes to read and highlight this morning? 'The House of Representatives has resolved…'” Bolduan said.
“Yeah, it took two minutes,” Massey said with a laugh.
Massey's comment seemed to surprise Bolduan, who responded with a short “Ah.” He continued to criticize Bolduan's interview preparation.
“Good. They kept good minutes. There were 19 resolutions. I know all of them. I studied them,” Massey continued. “I'm saying the right thing on social media. If I had looked into it a little more, I wouldn't have had to ask if I approve of Israel's right to exist. It's on my social media.”
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Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) speaks to reporters upon arriving at the House Republican Conference in Washington, DC, on November 14, 2023. (Anna Rose Leyden/Getty Images)
He said the question was worth asking again, given his comments on social media and the resolution.
Bolduan added that the network will continue to do further research, but does not welcome “anyone suggesting or insinuating that I am not ready.”
Taking up one last bit of research, Massey said, “You did your research.”
Co-anchor Sarah Sydner laughed when Bolduan threw it at her after the interview, saying, “It was enlightening.”
Massie is not the only Kentucky politician to criticize Haley recently.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) released a video and launched a website Friday declaring he will “never be Nikki” Haley in the 2024 presidential race.
In her announcement, Paul took issue with Haley's comments in November that all social media users should be required to prove their identity to access the internet in the name of “national security.” chanted.
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Haley later clarified her remarks to CNBC, saying, “I don't care that anonymous Americans have free speech. What I don't like is that anonymous Russians, Chinese, Iranians… It's about having freedom of speech.”
FOX News' Greg Norman contributed to this report.
