Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville disputes the characterization of white nationalists as bigoted.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, reaffirmed his belief that a white nationalist is simply “an American” in response to a CNN host’s assertion that all white nationalists are bigoted by definition.
Tuberville made the remarks during an interview on CNN’s “The Source” with host Kaitlan Collins after being asked to clarify statements he made in a May radio interview in which he appeared to defend white nationalists by implying they should not be barred from serving in the military.
“First and foremost, I am completely against racism,” Tuberville said on Monday, adding that he coached football for 40 years and was exposed to many individuals of color during that time.
The senator accused Democratic legislators of engaging in “identity politics” by using the term “white nationalist” as “just another word that they want to use other than racism.”
Collins, nevertheless, prodded Tuberville once more on whether he believes white nationalists should be allowed to serve in the United States military.
“I concur with the notion that white nationalists are racist,” Tuberville stated.
Collins responded, “A white nationalist is someone who believes the white race is superior to other races.”
Tuberville contested her definition, claiming that it was merely “some people’s opinion.”
“In my opinion, a white nationalist is an American, if someone wishes to call them a white nationalist. “This is an American,” he stated. “Now, if that white nationalist is a racist, I am completely opposed to everything they want to do, as I am completely against racism.”
Tuberville then stated, “We have enormous problems if you remove the majority of white Americans from the military.”
Collins stated that individuals were not advocating the eradication of “people who are white,” but only white nationalists. Tuberville responded that they were individuals with “various, likely dissimilar beliefs.”
“If racism is one of these beliefs, I am completely opposed to it,” he continued. “I am totally against racism.”
Collins stated once more that white nationalists are bigoted.
“Well, that is your perspective. That is your viewpoint,” he stated. If it is prejudice, I am completely opposed to it.
Tuesday morning, while speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Tuberville was again asked to clarify his remarks.
He stated, “I am totally against racism.” “If the Democrats say that a white nationalist, in which they said, Well, that’s the definition, then I’m completely against white nationalists. Everyone has a different definition, but I’m not getting into definitions, but I’ve always been completely against any form of racism.”
When asked whether people are arguing over definitions, Tuberville responded, “I am the least racist person in this building.”
