In a CNN interview Wednesday evening, Anderson Cooper and Donald Trump had this exchange:
Cooper “Do you think Islam is at war with the West?”
Trump, without hesitation: “I think Islam hates us. There’s something, there’s something there, that–there’s a tremendous hatred there. There’s a tremendous hatred. We have to get to the bottom of it. There is an unbelievable hatred of us.”
Cooper: “In Islam itself?”
Trump: “You’re going to have to figure that out, OK? You’ll get another Pulitzer, right? But you’re going to have to figure that out. But there’s a tremendous hatred, and we have to be very vigilant, we have to be very careful, and we can’t allow people coming into this country who have this hatred of the United States and of people that are not Muslim.”
Cooper: “I guess the question is, is there war between the West and radical Islam, or is there war between the West and Islam itself?”
Trump: “Well, it’s radical but it’s very hard to define, it’s very hard to separate, because you don’t know who is who.”
No surprise. Trump going back to his Mexicans-are-rapists slur in June established himself as a bigot who’d tailor his campaign on the threads of any hate that resonates with apparently masses of Americans who have been longing for the man who’d give them license finally to wear their brown shirts in the open. That’s Trump. That’s his supporters who, in the end, represent a disturbingly large but still relatively contained minority of die-hard whites and idiots.
When the support crosses over into a more significant sphere and Trump hatred gets amplified in our name, it’s a bit of a more serious problem. New Jersey long ago dug Chris Christie’s political grave before he so enthusiastically grabbed the shovel a couple of weeks back to make himself Trump’s chief acolyte. But now we have our own Rick Scott smearing Florida in Trump’s name, and at the expense of Muslims.
Scott has openly all but endorsed Trump, penning a bromance-like valentine to Trump in USA today a few weeks ago and angling himself as a vice presidential choice since, on the assumption I imagine that two fraudsters are better than one. Scott was on Joe Scarborough’s show this morning. In a two-minute stretch, Scarborough again and again asked him about Trump’s statement regarding Islam.
“Would you tell your friend Donald Trump that he should walk back his statements that Muslims, that Islam, hates America? Do you think Muslims in the state of Florida hate America?” Scarborough asked him. It’s not a small matter. Florida’s Muslim population, estimated at 164,000 in 2010, forms the largest non-Christian group in the state (as it does in about 20 states), Muslims’ work ethic, as with immigrants generally, is humbling, and judging from the veils and impromptu prayer bursts at Disney, it forms no small part of the state’s tourism business. So for a governor eager to spur the state’s economy and its welcoming image, welcoming Muslims should be a no-brainer.
The smear on Florida is the latest of many lows in a lurid election season.
Not, apparently, to this governor’s brain. Scott refused to disavow the blanket bigotry. He dodged. He weaved. He pulled a Rubio, steering the conversation to a scripted talking point, all the while smiling that translucent smile that veils loathing in pearly whites.
It was no different than if he’d been asked to disavow any one of those endless variations of hate’s stereotypes (about Mexicans, blacks, gays or Jews) and he’d refused. Had he done so, his political life would have ended before sundown. But because his targets are Muslims, he skates.
Scarborough was furious. “I want you to answer the question,” he said. “Do you personally think that Islam is a religion that hates America?”
Scott, among the governors who wanted Syrian refugees prevented from entering the state, kept up his charade: we have a lot of Muslims in the state, a lot visit as tourists, he said, “we all get along,” but he would not refute the notion that Muslims hate America. It was reminiscent of Trump’s initial refusal to disavow the KKK, though Trump at a stretch could be excused for maybe, maybe having misunderstood the question. There was no such misunderstanding here. Scott was asked simply whether he renounced the absurd notion that Muslims hate America. He refused.
I’ve never been a fan of Scott. But that’s generally had to do with what’s passed as governance. I never took him to be a bigot. Not a blatant one, anyway. Now he is.
Build a Bigger Wall says
Just for that statement I’m going to vote for TRUMP. And THANK YOU Gov Scott for not giving in to those liberal bastards.
Sherry says
Speaking of BIGOTED bigger walls. . . we have officially become the laughing stock of the UK and Canada because of horrific Donald Trump!
There is now a UK developed web site that allows people to digitally add a brick to a wall between the USA and Canada to keep out all those US citizens who will want to move to Canada if complete insanity prevails and Trump somehow becomes President.
This was sent to me by one of my friends in Canada. . . take a look:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/bricking-it-for-canada-1.3479184
Sherry says
BIGOTED Rick Scott Absolutely Needs to GO! He is a disgrace to his office!
WISHFUL THINKING says
The big difference between Trump and Scott in my opinion is that Scott will say and sway to whomever and where ever he thinks will benefit him personally and does not give a rat’s ass about anything or anyone else while Trump says what he thinks at the moment . Whether we sometimes or always agree or sometimes or always disagree with Trump he certainly doesn’t care about scoring brownie points like Scott does.
r&r says
Scott has it right. We have one in the oval office that has to go .He’anti American along with his wife.
YankeeExPat says
A walk down memory lane to the Republican response to anything.
9-11
Drill Baby Drill
Benghazi
Swizz says
What’s so funny is that these politically correct liberals want to ignore the fact that there’s a contingency of Islamic radicals that twist their religion to justify horrific acts in the name of allah. Obviously not every muslim hates American/western culture. These liberals are so scared Trump may win that they’ll resort to any tactic to try and create problems. Idiots like this Scarborough try to twist Trump’s words to trip up Governor Scott. The guy got mad because the Governor wasn’t playing his stupid game. And Tristan, generalizations like calling Trump supporters minority whites and idiots is just as bigoted as what he’s being accused of…
footballen says
I am pretty sure most of the terrorist that have cowardly attacked our country were Buddhist. Wait no, Rastafarian, no. Hang on a minute……………………………………………………………………………………..oh
joseph pulitzer says
You heard it here first, “if trump wins the nomination Rick, the turtle, Scott will be his running mate. What a smarmy group of individuals!
Shrimpley Pibbles says
Turtlehead spews crap, news at 11.
Steve Robinson says
All Floridians should watch the MSNBC segment with Scott and Erin Burnett’s pre-debate interview with him on CNN. Florida elected this guy twice??
Knightwatch says
This state is sick, this country is sick and the Republican Party is the virus. There would be no Scott or Trump or Cruz or the rest of those bigoted, racist clowns without the consent and encouragement of conservative Republicans. Where is their honor, their integrity, their conscience, their humanity?
If they win, America loses and it will take a generation to recover. This is some serious s*#t.
Geezer says
Has anyone noticed that imitating and supporting idiots is all the rage in America now?
It’s considered cool to be dumb and bigoted.
I would prefer to see bell bottoms and mutton chops come back into vogue.
How about marshmallow-soled men’s shoes? Pet rocks?
Anything but anti-intellectualism, which has run amok since the eighties.
Imagine, Donald Trump as the likely president-elect.
If you yell into the ear of a Trump supporter — you’ll always hear an echo.
Aye aye matey, ye ship of fools sails (and sinks).
W&K says
All my family vote for Trump. Donald keep going, you are # 1.
W&K says
Rick Scott is good governor.
dave says
Every time I look at Scott he just reminds me someone evil.
W&K says
r&r you are right, good point.
Rick G says
Rick Scott and Donald Trump… seems that people of that ilk tend to gather together. Brothers in Thievery.
Sherry says
In case you missed the debate last night, and you are giving Trump the benefit of the doubt. . . Trump doubled down, as usual, and refused to defuse his statement. Trump did NOT mean that ONLY radicalized Muslims hate us! He continues to passionately sow the seeds of hate and fear by OFFENDING 1.6 BILLION people who live in many countries across the planet!
We should be ashamed that such a bigoted megalomaniac is running for office, any office, in our country!
In addition, our horrific, smarmy governor is going along with him just so Trump will consider Scott for VP. What a horrific pairing that would be!
Although they rant against politicians and government. . . they personally are much worse! Trump and Scott proudly display and represent the absolute worst characteristics of human beings:
-Bigoted
-Racist
-Xenophobic
-Smugly Elitist
-Manipulating
-Self Absorbed
-Foul and Loud Mouthed
-Bullying
-Hypocritical
-“Shoot from the Hip”
-Insulting
-Disrespectful
-Unethical
-Corrupt
-Dishonest
-Uncaring/uncompassionate
-Rude
-Brutish
-Unreasonable/Illogical
-Narcissistic
-“Chest Beating”
-Untrustworthy
-Lying
I could go on and on. . . but all of these traits add up to despicable human beings. . . who a massively conning the citizens of the USA!
miguel says
Florida elected this guy twice??
No, he bought the election twice…
m
Linda Sparda says
This country has fallen apart. Im glad im not young anymore. I wouldn’t want to live through what the new generation has to endure.
Bill says
Cooper: “I guess the question is, is there war between the West and radical Islam, or is there war between the West and Islam itself?”
When will the left understand there is no war from the West towards Islam or even radical Islam BUT there certainly is a war from Islam no it may not all of it but certainly the dominant force of today’s Islam
Robert says
I vote Trump! I have high respect for Gov Scott. He only wanted to talk about Florida and not get in to the stupid conversation.
Robert says
I wish they would them we could charge the freeloaders for our Military and maybe we would have free healthcare then as well.
Donna Dixon says
There’s a lot of truth to the problem w/Muslims & their ideology towards the West. A lot of truth to the problem with Mexican’s drugs/gangs/rapes etc. Just because you call it as it is doesn’t mean you’re a bigot. It’s also not directed to 100% of any ethnicity…………only applies to the ones doing such. Here we always go w/politically correct again as our country is being sold down the tubes. Oh yeah, that’s right Africans actually sold Africans too….hmmm. Donald Trump makes a lot of sense…………why are people worried about women’s rights, free college etc. when we have even more urgent matters at hand like the uncontrolled invasion of our country, the ISIS assisted by some of our fearless leaders (NOT) and the fact that all the college degrees you can earn may be USELESS if there are NO JOBS to be found? We will not have a country left as we know it unless someone such as DONALD TRUMP comes to our aid. **Some people are in a state of DENIAL & MENTAL PARALYSIS because facing the truth at hand is simply to much for them
to process, so they continue to watch TV, drink beer….or whatever. Saying they are crooks…..they know how the system can be worked of course………..on the other side we have some serious corruption w/Hilary & BO. Wish I knew the broker that’s caused BO’s wealth to increase during his tenure……..bet we’d all like to see those kind of numbers. YOU all against Trump, etc. can continue to support these greedy bozos in charge presently. We’ll continue to suffer and watch our country turn into a third world nation. We that have eyes can surely see how well that’s working!
Linda Sparda says
Can anyone tell me when Scotts term is up? Ive had about enough of half these politicians.
Sherry says
Ya know what. . . I am sick of the following positive human attributes being labeled as “Politically Correct”. . . ant then completely thrown in the garbage:
1. Good Manners
2. Civility
3. Kindness
4. Compassion
5. Ethics
6. Integrity
7. Diplomacy
8. Honor
9. Compromise
10. Peaceful
11. Respectful
12. Inclusive/Open Minded
13. Honesty
be completely honest and ask yourselves whether your candidate “really” exemplifies most or all of these qualities. Or, would you really rather have someone with the following characteristics as governor of Florida/President of our country? Really?
1. Bullying
2. Self Aggrandizing
3. Uncaring
4. Uncompromising
5. Single Minded
6. Undiplomatic
7. Unethical
8. Dishonest
9. Manipulating
10. Brash
11. Rude
12. Speaking before thinking or doing any fact checking
13. Boastful
14. Misleading
15. Discriminatory
Now, please truthfully tell me which list of traits best describes the persons who should lead our nation.
Geezer says
Sherry:
You’re making too much sense, and small brains are hurting trying to counter
your excellent points. There was a sharp upward spike in Excedrin and headache
powder sales since your posts started appearing online.
Boy, the truth sure hurts.
Sherry says
Ahhhh. . . dear Geezer. . . you made my day! Thanks! I always enjoy reading your comments. . . lovin’ your sharp wit, too! Just wishing many, many more of our Florida voters were as intelligent and educated as you are.
They’ve already started INCORRECTLY calling Bernie a Communist. How incredibly sad and unfortunate that so many of our citizens are too ignorant to know the difference between Democratic Socialism, Communism and Nationalism.