Coronavirus stimulus checks: Pelosi had a tense interview with CNN’s Blitzer over stimulus

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Ever since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected the $1.8 trillion stimulus offer, she has been facing questions on why she didn’t accept it. When CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer asked the same question Tuesday, it resulted in a fiery television interview. When Blitzer pressed Pelosi on the coronavirus stimulus package and checks, she called the veteran anchor “an apologist” for Republicans and President Donald Trump.

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Coronavirus stimulus checks: What did Blitzer ask Pelosi?

Last week, Trump increased the offer from $1.6 trillion to $1.8 trillion. Pelosi, however, turned it down, saying it is inadequate to meet the needs of Americans. She wants Trump and Republicans to agree to a package costing $2.2 trillion. Blitzer, in an interview with Pelosi on Tuesday, pressed Pelosi on the same topic.

“As you know, there are Americans who are being evicted from their homes. They can’t pay their rent. Many Americans are waiting in food lines for the first time in their lives,” Blitzer said. “Can you look them in the eye, Madam Speaker, and explain why you don’t want to accept the president’s latest stimulus offer?”

Pelosi, in reply, said the anchor should put the same question to Republicans as to why they don’t want to meet the needs of Americans. Further, she reiterated that the $1.8 trillion is not enough to meet the needs of Americans.

Pelosi said she has “represented my constituents” for 30 years and knows what their needs are. Blitzer then interrupted Pelosi, saying the people need the money now.

Why Pelosi lost her cool

Blitzer then told Pelosi that “Members of your own caucus” want you to accept the $1.8 trillion package. The anchor then brought up California Rep. Ro Khanna, who recently called on Pelosi to accept Trump’s offer.

This is when Pelosi lashed out at Blitzer, saying, “What I say to you is I don’t know why you are always an apologist—and many of your colleagues—are apologists for the Republican position.”

Blitzer then asked Pelosi what’s wrong with the $1.8 trillion package. When Pelosi was listing all things wrong with the White House proposal, Blitzer said that former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang also wants you to accept the $1.8 trillion offer.

“Honest to God,” she replied. “You really—I can’t get over it because Andrew Yang is lovely. Ro is lovely. But they are not negotiating this situation. They have no idea of the particulars. They have no idea of what the language is here!”

Blitzer then questioned Pelosi on her remarks that Trump wants his name on the coronavirus stimulus checks. “Is that what this is all about to not allow the president to take credit if there’s a deal that would help millions of Americans right now?” the anchor asked.

To this, Pelosi said, “He is not that important,” adding “You really don’t know what you’re talking about! The plural of anecdote is not data.”