During an at times confrontational exchange, Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace tried to get Republican Representative Jim Banks of Indiana to comment on GOP opposition to pandemic relief and other legislation intended to help his constituents.
But Banks proved more interested in reciting anti-Democratic rhetoric targeting women of color and the Speaker of the House.
You can see an excerpt here:
Fox News' Chris Wallace to Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN): \n\n"Congressman Banks, you voted against that [Rescue] package, against the $350B, just like every other Republican in the House & Senate \u2014\u00a0so can't you make the argument that it's you and Republicans who are defunding the police?"pic.twitter.com/mrttqMGLuG— The Recount (@The Recount) 1624801659
After showing footage of President Joe Biden addressing funding for emergency services, the Fox News host tried to get Banks to comment on Republican's reluctance and possible alternative plans to address the needs of people in the United States.
Wallace asked:
"Congressman Banks, you voted against that package, against that $350 billion, just like every other Republican in the House and Senate."
"So, can't you make the argument that it's you and the Republicans who are defunding the police?"
Banks replied:
"Not at all, Chris. Let's go back and look at the record over the last year, the comments that Democrats have made, from Rashida Tlaib who said that… "
But Wallace interrupted Banks with a fact check.
"No-no-no, wait, sir."
"Respectfully, I heard you make that point, but I'm asking you—there's $350 billion in this package the President says can be used for policing."
Banks continued to try to avoid answering by talking over Wallace, but the host persisted.
Wallace said:
"I've heard your point about the last year."
"But you and every other Republican voted against this $350 billion."
Banks again countered with whataboutisms targeting Democrats—singling out Muslim Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota—instead of addressing Wallace's statement of facts about the GOP voting record.
Banks answered:
"When Rep. Omar says that policing is rooted in evil, and Nancy Pelosi compares police officers to Nazi storm troopers, it makes it very difficult for police departments around the country to recruit police officers."
People were unsurprised Banks could only offer attacks on Democrats instead of examples of Republican accomplishments.
If they spoke the truth it would come out of their mouths as a ball of fire & terrify the hell out of them.— Kayrn Mahair (@Kayrn Mahair) 1624850625
This from a guy who hangs with the crew who said 1/6 was just another tour group visiting,peacefully, the Capital \nThe same group that refuses to shake hands with the men and women who put their bodies at risk to protect you\nAll to be politically correct— histerprine (@histerprine) 1624830707
Indeed, every single one of them can put HYPOCRITE on their list of positions held.— Kayrn Mahair (@Kayrn Mahair) 1624850463
Ppl need to rethink how they vote. Instead of voting for party, vote for the candidate with substance, who talks about solutions instead of blasting other candidates.— Bavasser (@Bavasser) 1624887782
"Anti-police rhetoric." Which party is actually doing a soft-shoe dance around the brutal assault of Capitol Police?— Ken Pelham (@Ken Pelham) 1624809074
At some point, truth must matter.\nWe do not have to be represented by a liar. Make the self-loving choice.— Douglas E (@Douglas E) 1624825508
Republicans turned their back on the Capitol police. One even refused to shake an officer's hand.— AfricaYourBestLife.com (@AfricaYourBestLife.com) 1624823443
pic.twitter.com/TElbPWLzjD— Officious Jim (@Officious Jim) 1624807563
Others pointed out Republican and Fox News talking points citing increased gas prices and a rise in crime in 2021 versus 2020 ignore the reason prices and crime were low.
This fiction of a rise in crime is just that, a fiction. They are basing it on comparing it to 2020 levels.\n\nHello! Remember what was happening then? A PANDEMIC and lockdowns. Crime dropped dramatically during 2020 because of that. Now it is returning to its previous levels— Khrystyl Syngyr (@Khrystyl Syngyr) 1624869072
Wallace also asked Banks about gun control in relation to crime.
Wallace cited comments by Cedric Richmond, a senior White House aide who suggested increased access to guns contributes to crime rates, not cuts to police budgets or officer morale as Banks claimed.
The Fox host asked:
"Is there any gun control that you can support?"
Banks again dodged the question.
The Indiana Republican regurgitated rhetoric linking crime to Democratic criticism of police violence and abuse of authority.
"What I'm saying is if we are serious about reducing violent crime in America, then Joe Biden will go on a national public relations campaign to admonish the radical voices in the Democrat party that stigmatize police officers and law enforcement."
Whether Republican rhetoric alone will win over documented Democratic plans, proposals and concrete actions won't be known until 2022's midterm elections.
But it doesn't appear the GOP will be deviating from their longtime strategy of deflection and misdirection anytime soon.
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