CNN reporter Don Lemon and GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy got into a heated debate on CNN This Morning.
During Wednesday’s (April 19) broadcast of the morning news program, Lemon slammed Ramaswamy for making “insulting” comments about Black Americans.
The GOP candidate was asked about his recent speech at the National Rifle Association (NRA) where he connected the Civil War to gun ownership.
Ramaswamy claimed, “That war was fought for Black people to have freedoms in this country. That’s why the Civil War was fought. The sad thing about it–”
Lemon interrupted the guest, saying,”That was not fought for poor Black people to have guns.”
Doubling down on his comments, Ramaswamy said, “Black people did not get to enjoy the other freedoms until their Second Amendment rights were secured.” Lemon responded, “Black people still aren’t allowed to enjoy the freedoms.”
The candidate called Lemon’s comment a “disservice to the country,” to which Lemon responded, “When you are in Black skin and you live in this country, then you can disagree with me.” The two continued to debate over the topic, reiterating their previous statements.
“It’s insulting to me as an African American. I don’t want to sit and argue with you. It’s infuriating for you to put those things together,” said Lemon. “It’s not right. Your telling of history is wrong.”
The CNN anchor added, “You are sitting here, telling an African American about the rights and what you find insulting about the way I live, the skin I live in every day,” and dismissed Ramaswamy’s claim that the NRA has helped Black Americans “secure their rights.”
Lemon ended the segment by saying that the topic should be discussed in a “honest” and “fair” manner, contrary to Ramaswamy’s behavior.
During the heated discussion, Lemon scolded his producers, who were making noise on his earpiece. He told them, “Hang on, please. I cannot keep a thought if you guys are talking in my ear.”