CNN anchor Dana Bash was told her line of inquiry was “a bunch of bullshit” by Sen. Lindsey Graham during an interview on violence in the Middle East.
Graham, appearing on CNNs State of the Union today, was exasperated by Bashs leading questions on the recent decision by President Donald Trump to pull US troops out of Syria.
Bash asked Graham whether Trump would be to blame if the Islamic State terrorist group became more powerful after troops left.
Graham initially deflected responsibility to former President Barack Obamas decision to withdraw from Iraq in 2011.
“Everything were dealing with today falls on Obamas watch. Hes the one who withdrew from Iraq,” Graham said.
Bash countered, “But he did it because there was a Status of Forces Agreement in Iraq, right?”
“Listen. No, thats a bunch of bullshit,” said Graham. “Pardon my French. Thats a complete lie. Thats a complete, absolute lie.”
Bashs eyes widened in surprise: “That didnt happen?”
Graham recalled saying that he had hoped Obamas decision to withdraw troops from Iraq in 2011 was correct but that he feared the decision would “come back to haunt us.”
Although critical of Trump withdrawing from Syria, Graham said hes mostly “very pleased” with the Trump administration and has had more access to the president than ever.
“He was dealt a bad hand by Obama and he needs to play it better than hes playing it. Keeping the troops in Iraq is great,” he said.
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