CNN’s Jim Acosta and an ex-deputy communications director for former President Donald Trump appeared to grow irritated with each other rather quickly during a Wednesday exchange on the debate.
Bryan Lanza, deputy communications director for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, joined a panel discussion on the debate and was pressed by Acosta multiple times as the CNN host accused him of avoiding a straight forward question.
Acosta asked Lanza about Trump not answering a question on whether he would sign a national abortion ban if one were to hit his desk in a second term. The former president said he’s not in favor of a national abortion ban, but claimed the question was irrelevant because Roe v. Wade being overturned made abortion a state issue.
“I’m not in favor of an abortion ban, but it doesn’t matter, because this issue has now been taken over by the states,” he said.
Lanza noted that Trump has stated in the past that he’s against a national abortion ban, but Acosta grew frustrated that Lanza was not addressing why Trump would not directly say he would not sign a ban if one hit his desk. Acosta grew so irritated he warned Lanza he would continue interrupting him if he’s “not going to tell the truth.”
Check out the first part of their heated exchange below:
BRYAN LANZA: I think he said in the past that he wouldn’t sign a national abortion ban and I think JD Vance has stated that. I think what he said last night is —
JIM ACOSTA: But he didn’t say that he’d veto it if it got passed and it got to his desk. He didn’t say he would veto it.
BRYAN LANZA: I was answering the question, Jim. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. I think what he was saying was —
JIM ACOSTA: Well, if you’re not going to answer the question, I’m going to jump in.
BRYAN LANZA: I’m about to answer the question, but you keep jumping in. When I say I’m about to answer the question, that’s the time you let me answer the question. As I was saying in trying to answer your deeply-thoughted question, I think what he was trying to say last night and I think what he’s said is, listen, the country does not support late term abortion. I think 91% of the country feels late term abortion is a horrific thing.
JIM ACOSTA: No, he said in some states they’re executing the babies after they’re born, which is false.
BRYAN LANZA: Well, let me finish my answer, Jim. I understand you don’t want to hear it because it’s inconvenient but I’m still to answer the question.
JIM ACOSTA: Well, Bryan, if you’re not going to tell the truth, I’ve got to jump in. I’m sorry.
BRYAN LANZA: Jim, do you want me to answer your question?
JIM ACOSTA: We want the truth.
BRYAN LANZA: I’m trying to give you the truth with an explanation, but you constantly keep interrupting which leads me to believe you don’t want to hear the answer because it’s inconvenient to you. So for the fourth time, I’m going to try and answer this question.
Lanza again stated Trump has not supported a national abortion ban and echoed the former president’s point that no such legislation has landed on a president’s desk and the issue will remain one for the states.
“He’s always been proud of repealing abortion. He’s said it early on, that he gave the list from Federalist Society who were going to return it to the states,” Lanza said.
When Lanza was done, Acosta again accused him of avoiding the specific debate question.
“This ain’t CSPAN, Bryan, and when I ask you a question, why he didn’t say whether he would veto it, you can’t just go on and on forever. I mean, I did ask you a straight-forward question,” Acosta said.
“Jim, I’m just confused. When I say he’s not going to sign a national abortion ban, what does that mean to you?” Lanza asked.
“You’re still not answering the question,” Acosta said.
Watch above via CNN.
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