In a heated exchange with Texas Senator Ted Cruz, CNN host Chris Cuomo reminded Cruz of the insults that President Donald Trump levied against him during the 2016 Republican presidential race.
“It all troubles me, Ted, to watch guys like you stand by and stroke your beard like a wise man, instead of telling the president to get on it when you have power,” Cuomo said with a raised voice as Cruz attempted to interrupt.
“How about telling your brother to get on it,” the Republican shot back.
“My brother will stand for his own record. Why don’t you talk to the president like you talk to my brother?” Cuomo responded. “You afraid of him? You think he’ll smack you down at home? Is that what it is? Like he shut you up in the primary?”
“Yeah, I’m terrified of the Cuomos,” Cruz interjected.
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“I’m talking about the president. My brother’s not the president.” the host said. “The one who called you a liar, the one who said your wife was ugly! That guy. The one you won’t say anything about.”
During the contentious segment, Cruz, taken aback by Cuomo’s comment, pivoted to criticizing the CNN veteran’s interview style.
“You actually wonder why you don’t have a lot of Republicans that want to come on your show,” he said. “You scream at me and yell at me and insult me.”
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In 2016, Trump tweeted a side-by-side photo of an unflattering photo of Heidi Cruz next to a professional photo of Melania Trump, the caption read, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
At the time, Cruz responded, “Donald, real men don’t attack women. Your wife is lovely, and Heidi is the love of my life.”
During the 2016 election, Trump also implied that Cruz’s father was involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
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The senator initially didn’t support Trump, saying he didn’t want to support people “who attack my life and attack my father.” But, he later endorsed Trump for president.
Cruz, who narrowly won his Senate bid in 2018 over Beto O’Rourke, has endorsed the president’s reelection.
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