ABC’s George Stephanopoulos tried to push Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with regard to ending the ongoing government shutdown. Instead, he was treated to an uncomfortable history lesson.
Watch as Bessent reminds ABC’s resident Clintonista fixer that he was, in fact, a Clintonista fixer:
STEPHANOPOULOS: The president continues to post about ending the filibuster. Is that -- is that the best way to end the shutdown right now? Is that what the administration's position is?
BESSENT: No, George, the best -- the best way to do it -- and look, you were involved in a lot of these in the '90s. And, you know, you basically called the Republicans terrorists and, you know, you said that it is not the responsible party that keeps the government closed.
And so, what we need is five brave, moderate Democratic senators to cross the aisle because right now it is 52 to three, 52 to three, five Democrats can cross the aisle and reopen the government. That's the best way to do it, George.
STEPHANOPOULOS: I can disagree with you about the history there, but we don't do history lesson right now.
BESSENT: No, George --
(CROSSTALK)
STEPHANOPOULOS: Let's talk -- let’s talk about -- let’s talk about --
BESSENT: No, no, no. George, George, George --
(CROSSTALK)
STEPHANOPOULOS: Let's talk -- sir, let's talk about what's happening right now. I asked you a question --
BESSENT: If you want, I've got all your quotes here. I got all your quotes here, George.
STEPHANOPOULOS: I am sure -- I am -- I'm sure you do. But let’s talk about the situation right now --
(CROSSTALK)
BESSENT: And I went back and read your book. So, you got one -- one purchase on Amazon this week. And that's very much what you said.
STEPHANOPOULOS: That's -- it's a mis -- mischaracterization of history. But I do want to talk about right now, is the best way to end the -- to end the shutdown right now to end the filibuster?
BESSENT: The best way is for five Democratic senators to come across the aisle.
. steve malzberg
