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When asked directly if he wants to distance himself from white nationalists, President Donald Trump found no “yes.”
Chris Wallace of Fox News led the first debate between President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, which took place in Cleveland on Wednesday night.
One of the questions he asked was directly to Trump. Wallace asked if he wanted to distance himself from white nationalists and militia groups, which have been visible on American streets in recent months in connection with racial demonstrations and riots in many parts of the country.
Trump did not answer yes.
– I’d say almost everything I see comes from the left, not the right, he said instead.
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Wallace gave Trump more opportunities to distance himself from white nationalists, but Trump responded evasively each time.
– I’m willing to do anything. I want peace
– Then do it. Say it, Wallace challenged.
– What do you want to call them? Give me a name, Trump replied.
“White nationalists,” Wallace replied.
– Proud guys, Joe Biden chimed in.
– Proud Boys, stand back and get ready. But I say this: someone has to do something about Antifa, Trump responded.
His response was noted, among others, by former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.
TRUMP SUPPORTERS: Members of the Proud Boys give the OK sign, which AFP says is often associated with white nationalist groups, during a Proud Boys event in Portland, Oregon, on September 26. Photo: Nathan Howard / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA
The New York Times reporter Mike Baker reports on Twitter that the Proud Boys group “is ecstatic” at being mentioned in the presidential debate.
Baker has posted a screenshot of an online conversation between alleged members of the Proud Boys.
“President Trump asked the Proud Boys to be prepared because someone has to deal with Antifa. Well sir, we are ready!” He writes one.
“Ready sir,” wrote another.
According to the Times journalist, the group’s logo is already shared with the president’s phrases “Back off” and “Wait.
The New York Times has also reported on the excitement at Camp Proud Boys. The newspaper writes that members call the president’s comments “historic” and report an increase in “new recruits.”
Proud Boys was banned from Twitter in August 2018 and on Facebook in October 2018. The Southern Poverty Law Center refers to the group as a hate group.
