The media is adding “fuel to the fire” when it comes to violence at Donald Trump’s rallies, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said Monday.
When asked by CNN’s Alisyn Camerota if he was happy with the efforts by the Republican presidential front-runner to prevent violence at his rallies, Priebus deflected.
“He’s certainly talking about it a lot more now and certainly calling for the temperature to be cooled more now. But you know, look, we’re not a party that believes in violence. I think violence begets violence and you ought to leave some of the work in the crowd up to professionals,” Priebus explained.
“But I also think, Alisyn, if we’re being fair here and it’s nothing against you or anyone, but when cable shows are on a constant loop — you know a couple knuckleheads pushing each other on a 24/7 loop — You know, I mean you create an environment, I think, that just adds fuel to the fire.”
“Shouldn’t we focus — shouldn’t we highlight if there’s violence at campaign events and it’s only Donald Trump’s? Shouldn’t we mention that?” Camerota asked — a question that comes on the heels of the latest video of violence at a Trump event: a protestor being punched and kicked at a rally in Arizona.
“Mentioning it is fine. I’m questioning the 24/7 loop. I’m questioning three hours in prime time at night every day talking about it,” Priebus said. “I get it. It’s news. I’m not questioning it’s news — I’m not. But it’s the obsession that I think that also adds to the problem.”
“Granted, both sides have to disavow violence. I’m not saying that. I do think that the media is obsessed to the point of it being very noticeable and almost bizarre,” he concluded.
Watch the full Priebus interview here.
