Democrats faced criticism this week for President Donald Trump's actions in his speech to a joint session of Congress. Their protest refused to applaud at key moments, and subsequent comments drew criticism from Republicans and parts of their own party.
“Jesse Watters Primetime” producer Johnny Belisario traveled to Capitol Hill to track down Democratic lawmakers and asked why they refused to confront the nonpartisan moment at their address.
“You weren't standing up to anything,” Verisario pointed out to New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.
“The president didn't talk about how he could reach the American people and lower the prices of food,” Booker replied.
“Jesse Watters Primetime” producer Johnny Belisario asks Senator DN.J. about President Donald Trump's joint speech to Congress. (“Jesse Watters Primetime”)
Other Democrats expressed their dissatisfaction that they were unable to address issues that Trump felt were important.
When asked why Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren refused to answer, and in his speech he didn't praise certain guests, including the mother of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.
“I applauded, when he said the US was in support of Ukraine,” Warren said.
However, when she pushed for reasons she didn't applaud for Riley's mother, she refused to respond.
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“Jesse Watters Primetime” producer Johnny Belisario will be holding a D-Pa to Senator John Fetterman about President Donald Trump's joint speech to Congress. I ask. (“Jesse Watters Primetime”)
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman acknowledged that some of the democratic protests during the speech may be underappreciated.
“I don't think it was the best look of our party last night,” he admitted.
In addition to Riley's family, Trump praised the 13-year-old brain tumor survivor with a Secret Service badge, praised First Lady Melania Trump's work against deepfakes and revenge porn, and announced his acceptance for high school students to West Point. The moment did not trigger a standing ovation from the Democrats.
Moderates reveal why they didn't join their fellow dems and blame Al Green
One of the most notable moments of the evening was when Texas Rep. Al Green was removed from his room after an explosion on the floor of the house. His actions led to criticism by House members, with 10 Democrats joining Republicans and voting for punishment.
Verisario went to Green's office, but he said he was “exited” by staff. He also couldn't find Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.), but added a note to her office door.
Beyond the vocal protests, some Democrats cried more subtle forms of dispute during their speech. Lawmakers paddled with messages criticizing Trump's policies, including signs that read “Save Medicaid” and “Musk Steel.”
Even Stephen Colbert, a late-night host whose shows often align with a liberal perspective, chuckled at Paddle's protests and hugged his own sign that read, “Try something.”
Democrats denounce Democrats for jeering Trump during their speech to Congress: Report
“Jesse Watters Primetime” producer Johnny Belisario asks Senator D-Calif about President Donald Trump's joint speech to Congress. (“Jesse Watters Primetime”)
California Rep. Adam Schiff completely rejected the president's speech and declined to comment on the lack of applause for Riley's mother.
“There was nothing the president had to say was fact or true,” Schiff said.
Meanwhile, a CBS News Survey It turns out that 76% of viewers, who were primarily Republicans, have approved Trump's speech, citing their focus on reducing government waste, imposing tariffs and securing borders.
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When asked about the findings, Schiff remained skeptical.
“I don't know what kind of speech they were seeing…it was really not worth watching,” he said.
Belisario goes to D-Minn as she walks to the elevator. He followed Rep. Ilhan Omar.
“You need to run away from me,” the lawmaker told him, the door shut.
