WATCH: Cabinet Contender Spats With Jewish Anchor Over Putin
Image by YouTube
A candidate for Secretary of State in the Trump administration clashed with a Moldovan-born Jewish news anchor Wednesday over Vladimir Putin’s human rights record.
Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican California congressman known for his pro-Russian views, was speaking with Yahoo News anchor Bianna Golodryga about rights abusers in China when she said, “much could be said about Russia as well in that regard.”
“Oh, baloney,” Rohrabacher exclaimed. “Where do you come from?” he asked, and added, “the audience knows you’re biased.”
Golodryga, who described herself as a “political refugee,” mentioned accusations that Russia murdered journalists.
Rohrabacher said he wrote speeches for Ronald Reagan on Russia. He said the late former U.S. President “would love” his views on Putin.
Reagan helped to end the Cold War by reconciling with former Russian premiere Mikhail Gorbachev, who initiated democratic reform in Russia.
“Are you comparing Gorbechev to Vladimir Putin?” Golodryga asked.
“Absolutely I am,” Rohrabacher answered.
Rohrabacher, widely considered one of the most pro-Russian members of Congress, has been mentioned as a possible choice for secretary of state. Such a pick would be consistent with President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to forge closer ties to the Kremlin over issues like international security.
Golodryga is married to Peter R. Orszag, who served as President Barack Obama’s budget director until 2010.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
