Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. clashed with MSNBC host Ari Melber, accusing him of baiting him into badmouthing former President Donald Trump and contributing to the nation's polarization.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. engaged in a heated exchange with MSNBC host Ari Melber on Wednesday, accusing him of adding to America's "vitriol" by enticing him into speaking negatively about former President Donald Trump.
Melber pressed Kennedy on whether he agreed with Trump's stance on pardoning individuals charged in the January 6 Capitol riot, arguing that the public deserved to know his position on the potential democratic and autocratic threat Trump poses if re-elected.
However, Kennedy maintained that both Trump and current President Joe Biden had inflicted harm on the nation and that he declined to participate in the divisive rhetoric that Melber was attempting to perpetuate.
"Neither of them can end the vitriol that you are trying to prop up right now," Kennedy asserted.
In response, Melber challenged Kennedy to identify any vitriolic remarks he had made.
Kennedy countered that America had become increasingly polarized and toxic since the Civil War, attributing it to social media's amplification of negativity. He expressed his intention to abstain from fueling further division.
Melber emphasized the importance of addressing Trump's actions surrounding the Capitol riot, highlighting the gravity of the attempt to overturn a legitimate election.
Kennedy maintained his stance against further inflaming hatred, proposing the need for common ground.
The exchange grew heated as Melber repeatedly pressed Kennedy for his position on pardoning those involved in the January 6th riot.
Kennedy eventually stated that he would not make a blanket decision on pardons without examining individual cases.
The interview concluded with Kennedy accusing Melber of intentionally inciting conflict rather than engaging in a substantive dialogue.
Melber denied any intention to fuel division, expressing his belief in the significance of clarity regarding the peaceful transfer of power.
Kennedy's reluctance to engage in negative discourse about Trump and his emphasis on seeking common ground set him apart from traditional political rhetoric, highlighting his divergent approach to the current political landscape.
