CNN "Wolf" - Transcript: Interview with Rep. Chris Stewart

Interview

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KEILAR: Joining us now from Capitol Hill is Republican Congressman Chris Stewart, of Utah. He is a member of the House Intelligence Committee.

So that was one of the more lighthearted comments by James Comey. But he has raised some serious questions, as you know, about the president, about his fitness to lead. Do you think overall, whether it's these quips or it's these serious issues and concerns that he's raising, do you think that Jim Comey is acting appropriately?

REP. CHRIS STEWART, (R), UTAH: I defended Jim Comey for many years, until about a year ago. I thought he was a successful FBI director. I don't necessarily change my opinion on that now, but I think he's trying to sell a bunch of books. I think it does diminish the role that he plays as a former FBI director. President Trump is a political animal to his core, we get that. But the director of the FBI shouldn't be. I think we expect something a little different from them. I think it's unfortunate that it's devolved into this tit for tat like we've seen from the two of them now.

[13:40:12] KEILAR: So you I do think that he's crossed the line there. On ABC's "The View," Comey, who has long been a registered Republican, said this very thing about the current state of the party, your party. Here's what he said.

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KEILAR: What is your reaction, Congressman?

STEWART: Well, I understand that there's some people who feel that way, but where else are you going to go? You certainly can't go to the Clinton it is you care about character. You have to think what is the right thing for our country? I believe, although I have concerns, I think that conservative values are the thing that help our country. Those are best embodied in the Republican Party. I understand he feels frustrated. But I think this is entirely personal. I think this has developed into something that is, again, tit for tat. I think he's on a book tour and trying to generate publicity. I think this helps that. I think it's just unfortunate.

KEILAR: It's so interesting to hear you say you understand that some people have concerns. But that, in the end, it's the principles, historically, of your party, that you feel are so important. What are the concerns that you have heard, that you think Republicans need to address, that maybe even Jim Comey shares, that you think the party really needs to deal with?

STEWART: Yes. I mean, a lot of the issues that we feel like we need to deal with, we already have. I think tax reform is a very positive step for most persons. Regulatory reform. I think the fact that we've adequately funded our military. So those are good things for the American people and I think they appreciate that. What most people feel concerned about is our public discourse is justly involved into something that many of us are uncomfortable with. Sometimes the president tweets things that don't help me as a Congressman. Sometimes his critics are over the top in the personal way they attack him. I don't think either one of those help. And I think the American people are getting exhausted by it. Every time I talk with people, whether it's you or other people in the media or just a guy at the hardware store, we end up talking about these things and it just seems like people are so wary about it. I hope we can do better. I just do. As we go into the midterms, and eventually the 2020 elections, I hope we can lift ourselves up and look for a standard that's a little higher.

KEILAR: I wanted to ask you about the Russia investigation. Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, is refusing to bring legislation that would protect the Special Counsel Robert Mueller. He's refusing to bring that legislation to the floor. This is what he said on FOX.

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KEILAR: So he -- it sounds like perhaps he thinks this special counsel doesn't need the protection, and that he seems certain the president will not fire him. Do you share Mitch McConnell's certainty that he won't fire Mueller?

STEWART: I absolutely do. I think this is a little bit of crying fire, when there is no fire there. The president has made it clear, as recently as three weeks ago, he has no intention of firing Mr. Mueller, and he shouldn't. If you think there's evidence of collusion, it just hasn't materialized. I think the president sees that.

KEILAR: He's considered it in the past, sir. Do you discount that?

STEWART: I don't know that he has considered it in the past. At least not seriously. I don't know, I'm not in on those private conversations obviously. But he has said recently he's not going to fire him. We have no indications that he's thinking of doing that now. I think this is a way once again to generate a little bit of emotion. But it's over an issue that I don't think is realistic.

KEILAR: Congressman, we appreciate your time.

Congressman Chris Stewart joining us from a rather busy day there where they're having an event on the Hill.

We appreciate it.

STEWART: Thank you, ma'am.

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