CNN "State of the Union with Jake Tapper" - Interview with Val Demings

Interview

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Joining me now to discuss this and more is Florida Congresswoman Val Demings, who is also on the short list of potential running mates for Joe Biden.

First, let's ask about -- I want to ask about your district. Some of the smaller theme parks and attractions are opening. Universal Orlando says it plans to open on June 5.

I know your district depends heavily on these parks for tourism and jobs. Are you comfortable with these theme parks reopening?

REP. VAL DEMINGS (D-FL): Well, good morning. It's great to be with you on this Memorial Day weekend, as we honor the war dead.

Let me say this. Our primary responsibility is the health, safety and welfare of the people that we represent. And that's from the governor on down, and, of course, my responsibility, as a member of Congress.

I do believe that the theme parks have been very strategic, methodical, very thoughtful in terms of coordinating with public health officials and local officials to make sure that they are doing this right.

I know that they are religiously practicing the CDC guidelines within those areas that have opened. I think they're being smart about it.

But let me say this. I am concerned, because we know that this virus is not yet under control, and it will not be until we have a vaccine. And we don't know when that will be, regardless of some of the reports that we hear coming out of the White House.

But we just need to be vigilant and do what we need to do to keep people safe.

BASH: Congresswoman, I wanted to ask about the 2020 campaign.

Vice President Joe Biden apologized on Friday for a -- quote -- "cavalier" comment he made about black voters. And I want you to listen to it. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: Because it's a long way until November. We got more questions.

JOSEPH BIDEN (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You got more questions.

But I tell anyone, if you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black.

CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD: It don't have nothing to do with Trump.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, Republican Senator Tim Scott called it arrogant and insensitive. Former Republican Congresswoman Mia Love said it was incredibly offensive and racist.

What do you think about that comment? Was it out of line?

DEMINGS: You know, I think it's interesting that the president searched high and low to find African-American members of the Senate and a former member of Congress to speak out on this issue.

It'd be nice to hear other -- other Republicans, male or female, speak out on this issue.

However, look, the vice president went on the show. I'm so glad he did, because these are the conversations that we really need to be having.

And one of the things I said in a statement on Friday was that, look, we know we have some serious issues that we're dealing with in this country. And if we're going to be able to address them effectively, then we have got to hold everybody accountable, even those that we do support.

Look, the vice president shouldn't have said it. He apologized for it.

But I really think the gall and the nerve of President Trump to try to use this in his campaign, he who has, since day one, done everything within his power, of course supported by his enablers, to divide this country, particularly along racial lines?

Look, let's talk about race, because we definitely need to. We need -- we see it in housing. We see it in voting rights. We see it in health care. We see it in education.

Mr. President, let's do have a serious conversation about race in America. And how about working for all people that you are supposed to represent, not just the privileged few?

But the vice president apologized for it. He engaged in the conversation. I'm glad he did. There will be more, as you heard, the invitation to come to New York. And so we look forward to sitting down together, working on some of America's toughest issues. And race is one of them.

BASH: OK.

Before I let you go -- I'm sorry we're out of time -- the -- you said that you are on the former vice president's short list. Do you want to be vice president?

DEMINGS: What I want to do is continue to work hard to serve the American people.

[09:55:04]

Look, I have chosen tough jobs in my lifetime, a social worker working with broken children, a law enforcement officer, 27 years, the chief of police, and now as a member of Congress, trying to do things right to support the American people.

I want to do whatever job I can to continue to push this country in the right direction and make sure that America lives up to its promise for future generations.

BASH: Thank you, Congresswoman.

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