Melber and Kennedy Spar Over Trump and Vitriol

MSNBC host Ari Melber and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. engaged in a heated debate, with Kennedy accusing Melber of baiting him into criticizing former President Donald Trump and perpetuating America's "vitriol."

MSNBC's Ari Melber and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, engaged in a contentious exchange on Wednesday, with Kennedy accusing Melber of fueling America's divisions by attempting to provoke him into disparaging former President Donald Trump.

During the interview, Melber questioned Kennedy about his stance on Trump and the January 6 Capitol riot, arguing that the former president poses a threat to democracy. Kennedy, however, maintained that both Trump and current President Joe Biden have harmed the country and declined to explicitly denounce Trump's actions.

Kennedy accused Melber of trying to bait him into criticizing Trump, arguing that such provocations contribute to the current atmosphere of "vitriol" in America. Melber defended his approach, stating that it was his duty to address Trump's actions surrounding the Capitol riot.

"People are concerned that you seem to be ignoring the actual possible democracy and autocratic threat of Donald Trump if he wins again," Melber said.

Kennedy countered that he would not participate in the "craziness" that has gripped American politics.

"I think both of them did bad things to our country," Kennedy said of Trump and Biden. "Neither of them can end the vitriol that you are trying to prop up right now."

Kennedy further lamented the polarized and poisonous atmosphere in the country, blaming social media for amplifying divisions. He emphasized the need for a candidate who would transcend the partisan gridlock and seek common ground.

"I'm not going to participate in that craziness," Kennedy said. "I'm not going to campaign based upon drumming up or amplifying people’s hatred toward each other."

Melber pressed Kennedy on his position on the January 6 rioters, asking if he would pardon those convicted of crimes. Kennedy avoided a direct answer, stating that he would need to review individual cases before making such a decision.

"I condemn that," Kennedy said of the Capitol riot. "But I’m not going to campaign based upon drumming up or amplifying people’s hatred toward each other."

The back-and-forth continued, with Melber arguing that it was necessary to take a clear stance on the peaceful transfer of power. Kennedy, however, maintained that his focus was on finding common ground and reducing the vitriol in American politics.

"I don’t feel enflamed at all," Melber said.

The interview concluded with Melber and Kennedy still locked in a debate over the appropriate approach to political discourse in a deeply divided country.