Joni Ernst On Donald Trump: “I Don’t Think He’s A Racist”

Senator Joni Ernst expressed her frustration at Donald Trump’s latest incendiary comments about not wanting immigration from certain “shithole countries,” but defended the President against accusations of racism today. The exchange came at one of her town hall forums held in Boone at the local high school this afternoon, with a crowd of just under 100 present.

“Deep inside, no, I don’t think he’s a racist,” Ernst said. “I think he’s brash. I think he says things that are on his mind, but I don’t truly believe that he’s a racist.”

Video of Joni Ernst on if Trump is a racist: “Deep inside, no, I don’t think he’s a racist. I think he’s brash. I think he says things that are on his mind, but I don’t believe that he’s a racist.” pic.twitter.com/Xn93cukMf1

— Iowa Starting Line (@IAStartingLine) January 15, 2018

That response drew both groans and applause from the crowd, which was relatively evenly split among political lines. But Ernst also voiced her aggravation with the constant distractions coming out of the White House.

“Believe me, me as a senator, I don’t appreciate it,” Ernst said of Trump’s comments. “So much of my time is being spent answering questions about the latest that our president said, instead of asking me questions about the legislation that I’m working on. I would rather tell you about some of the great successes we have had for Iowans … So, I don’t appreciate the rhetoric. What I can say is I do support some of the policies we’re working on.”

She also noted the impact that Trump’s words can have on strategic partnerships the United States has with foreign nations.

“We have great partnerships all around the globe,” Ernst added. “We have good friends in other nations. We need to work with those good partners. We need to treat them with dignity and respect, just as we would expect to be treated. So, that’s the message I’m pushing.”

Among other issues like climate change, the tax bill and Planned Parenthood funding, Ernst addressed concerns about the rising influence of China, specifically in how the rejection of TPP has made it easier for them to influence Pacific nations.

Video of part of Joni Ernst talking about her support for TPP and how China is taking advantage of America pulling back from engagement with Pacific nations pic.twitter.com/ZvyVJ94kNW

— Iowa Starting Line (@IAStartingLine) January 15, 2018

Ernst also spoke about the impending DACA renewal fight.

“This is a really, really, really important issue we have to fix right now,” she said. “It needs to happen. I’ve been querying conservatives – I think I know where most Democrats are on this issue, they’ve made it very clear … And probably 90% or better [of conservatives] say we need a permanent solution. They’re part of our communities and we can’t let them go. They need to be here. And I agree.”

There was also a lot of discussion about veterans issues, with one local man active in the Honor Flights program presenting Ernst with a folded American flag to thank her for her work on veterans concerns.

This was one of the first forums in Ernst’s annual 99 county tour, which is a mix of public and private events across the state.

by Pat Rynard
Posted 1/15/18