MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle grills DNC chair on Dems running 'against Trump,' not on policy: 'He's not in power!'

MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle grilled DNC chair Jaime Harrison over the Democrats' strategy heading into the 2022 midterm elections.

https://twitter.com/RuhleOnMSNBC/status/1452996537202749453

Ruhle kicked off the interview on Tuesday by declaring next week's Virginia gubernatorial election "the first big test for Democrats."

"But in Virginia and Democrats nationwide, why is it that it seems like Democrats continue to just be running against Trump? He’s not in office," Ruhle said.

Harrison pushed back, insisting the "first big test" was actually last month's California recall resulting in Democrat Gavin Newsome's securing his seat in the governor's mansion.

He then appeared to defend the anti-Trump messaging from Democrats, saying former President Trump is "still the head" of the Republican Party and is "still looming" in American politics, later calling Virginia gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin a "Trump acolyte."

"Trump is a looming threat, but he's not in power and Democrats are," Ruhle fired back. "And right now, Democrats have not gotten anything done on infrastructure, voting rights, gun reform and police reform. How do you get voters energized in Virginia for Democratic ideals, not just against Trump?"

Harrison told Ruhle those issues she listed were "in progress" and touted the passing of the American Rescue Plan.

"This process ain’t a fast one. I know we all sort of make McDonald’s, Burger King mentality where you can go through fast- drive-through and get something done and get it done in a hurry, but that’s not how the legislative process works," Harrison said. "You got to do negotiations and move things forward. And we’re on the brink of doing just that. So I’m proud of what we’ve done so far. I know we’re going to continue to deliver for the American people moving forw... (Read more)

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