Gen. Randy Manner to Sen. Kennedy Calling Him Out on Past Trump Comments: ‘I Am Insulted By Your Comment’

Kennedy: “Duty, honor, respect. You talked about that — “
MANNER: “Yes, senator.”
Kennedy: “ — in your opening statement. On October 14th of this year, you went on CNN. I want to read you what you said, make sure I’m accurate. Here’s what you said: ‘President Trump is not like any sane leader. I’m very proud of General Milley for saying that President Trump is a total fascist.’ To Bob Woodward, ‘If he as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is calling the president a fascist, I’m so proud of him for breaking that barrier. The challenge is because most MAGA Republicans, they don’t understand what fascism is. The reality is that they are, in fact, fascists themselves.’ Did I read that accurately?”
MANNER: “Senator, I am happy to discuss my personal perspective with you separately at any time. That’s not the purpose of the hearing today.”
Kennedy: “Did I read that accurately?”
MANNER: “I believe so. Yes.”
Kennedy: “Yeah. You think you’re smarter than the American people, don’t you?”
MANNER: “Absolutely not, senator. I am here to discuss the use of the military as part of this mass deportation.”
Kennedy: “You think you’re more virtuous than the American people, don’t you, general?”
MANNER: “Senator, I’m insulted by your comment.”
Kennedy: “Duty, honor and respect. You talked about that in your opening statement, didn’t you?”
MANNER: “Yes, sir.”
Kennedy: “Ms. Moran said — I wrote down her words — she said, ‘By their actions, you know what someone’s character is like.’ You agree with that?”
MANNER: “Senator, for 35 years I served my country with absolute honor and distinction, and I will continue to do so.”
Kennedy: “You agree with what Ms. Moran said?”
MANNER: “Of course.”