CNN's Chris Cuomo Gets Baited By Right-Winger Into Heated Exchange

Chris Cuomo (image via Instagram)

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo got drawn into a heated verbal exchange when an unidentified man in New York approached Cuomo in public.

Cuomo was out with his family as the man addressed him and repeatedly called him, "Fredo." The name references the Fredo Corleone character in the movie, The Godfather, who was the weak brother who betrayed his family.

According to Cuomo, who is proud of his Italian heritage, being called "Fredo" is an ethnic slur.

Apparently, right-wing fanatics call Cuomo by the name to denigrate the newsman for his reporting on Donald Trump.

The anonymous man insists he thought Cuomo's name was "Fredo," but I think that's a bit disingenuous.

CNN’s Chris Cuomo being baited by right-winger while Cuomo is out with his family. It gets pretty heated. Cuomo later tweeted he could have handled the situation better. pic.twitter.com/ff6wYWuyGa

— The Randy Report (@randyslovacek) August 13, 2019

The far-right nuts are living for this.

Cuomo admittedly gets riled up, but considering he was with his family and the man reportedly continued to badger him, I think it's understandable. There are no reports that the incident escalated to physical violence.

CNN has made a statement saying they stand with him, and Cuomo has tweeted an acknowledgement he could have handled the incident better.

Even conservative figures like Fox News pundit Sean Hannity and former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci weighed in saying that the unidentified man was a jackass for trying to bait Cuomo while out with his family.

I say good for @ChrisCuomo

He’s out with his 9 year old daughter, and his wife, and this guy is being a jackass in front of his family.

Imho Chris Cuomo has zero to apologize for. He deserves the apology. https://t.co/VnyMNgz14U

— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) August 13, 2019

Chris Cuomo defended himself when he was verbally attacked with the use of an ethnic slur in an orchestrated setup. We completely support him.

— Matt Dornic (@mdornic) August 13, 2019

Appreciate all the support but - truth is I should be better than the guys baiting me. This happens all the time these days. Often in front of my family. But there is a lesson: no need to add to the ugliness; I should be better than what I oppose.

— Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) August 13, 2019

Chris Cuomo Threatens Man Who Hurled Italian Slur 'Fredo' at Him very proud of ⁦@ChrisCuomo⁩ this happens all the time. It’s quite racist. https://t.co/RWzqqzpDWE

— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) August 13, 2019

Megyn Kelly Steps In It Over Blackface, Don Lemon Calls Her Out, Kelly Apologizes

Megyn Kelly of The Today Show

Today Show host Megan Kelly got into hot water yesterday when she questioned why blackface wasn't ok for Halloween?

Seriously?

During a round-table conversation about Halloween costumes, Kelly said that blackface was, “OK when I was a kid as long as you were dressing like a character,” and said she doubted whether blackface was actually racist.

“What is racist?” she asked. “Because you do get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface on Halloween.”

Umm, yeah. You do.

Kelly sent a memo to staffers at NBC apologizing for her lack of understanding:

When we had the roundtable discussion earlier today about the controversy of making your face look like a different race as part of a Halloween costume, I suggested that this seemed okay if done as part of this holiday where people have the chance to make themselves look like others. The iconic Diana Ross came up as an example. To me, I thought, why would it be controversial for someone dressing up asDiana Ross to make herself look like this amazing woman as a way of honoring and respecting her?

I realize now that such behavior is indeed wrong, and I am sorry. The history of blackface in our culture is abhorrent; the wounds too deep.

I’ve never been a “pc” kind of person — but I understand that we do need to be more sensitive in this day and age. Particularly on race and ethnicity issues which, far from being healed, have been exacerbated in our politics over the past year.

Last night, on CNN, hosts Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon discussed the debacle. Lemon came straight out of the gate with a truth bomb saying, "Megyn is 47 years old, she's our age, there has never been a time in her 47 years that blackface has been acceptable."

"Megyn is 47 years old, she's our age, there has never been a time in her 47 years that blackface has been acceptable" @DonLemon on #CuomoPrimeTime pic.twitter.com/aihmlQ0VOd

— Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) October 24, 2018

Today, Kelly began her show with an apology:

"I want to begin with two words, I'm sorry..The country feels so divided and I have no wish to add to that pain and offense. I believe this is a time for more understanding, more love, more sensitivity and honor..Thank you for listening and for helping me listen too." Megyn Kelly pic.twitter.com/6hHrvZLNvK

— Megyn Kelly TODAY (@MegynTODAY) October 24, 2018

CNN's Chris Cuomo Calls Out Montana Congressman: "Come Body Slam Me - I Welcome It"

CNN host Chris Cuomo (and his biceps)

I write a lot about bullying, especially in regard to LGBT bullying that still happens are too frequently.

Sadly, we’re currently living in a time where some public figures, even some of our leaders, show respect for bullies.

Whether its dictators like Russian President Vladimir Putin or North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Donald Trump seems to revere them even though they’re famous for demeaning and diminishing those they see as beneath them.

This week, that dynamic was put on display yet again while Trump campaigned in Montana.

During the appearance, the Trumpster praised Montana’s only congressman, Republican Rep. Greg Gianforte, for “body slamming” a reporter, Ben Jacobs of The Guardian, last year for asking a question he didn’t like about healthcare.

“Any guy that can do a body slam, he is my type!” Trump said as the crowd cheered.

For his actions, Gianforte eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault in June 2017 for his attack on Jacobs. He was sentenced to a 180-day deferred sentence, 40 hours of community service, 20 hours of anger management and a $300 fine along with an $85 court fee.

Hunky CNN host Chris Cuomo called out Trump and Gianforte last night on his evening show, Cuomo Primetime.

“There is no question about what he did being wrong and illegal,” said Cuomo said of Gianforte’s bodyslam. “But the president celebrated him at a rally. Why does Trump praise bullies? Time and again, he celebrates punks who go after the little guy,” he continued.

“Everything Gianforte did is weak, okay?” Cuomo continued. “He attacked someone who wasn’t a threat, was at every disadvantage, Gianforte showed no control, no confidence, no respect for his office or his constituents or for the law. He is weak. And if he doesn’t like it, he can come body slam me as well. I welcome it.”

By the way, in case you hadn’t noticed Cuomo is totally jacked. Don’t expect Gianforte to show up at Cuomo’s door anytime soon.

Cuomo contrasted Trump and Gianforte with LeBron James, who during a recent basketball game was overheard telling his teammates, “Anytime you fall, your brother will come pick you up.”

Because that’s what true leaders do. Someone falls, you lift them up.

“Crazy and sad days when the lessons we teach our kids - ‘don’t be a bully;’ ‘strength isn’t knocking down, it’s lifting up’ - now those lessons must also be directed at our president,” said Cuomo as he closed the segment.

These are crazy times. But fortunately, there are lots of people (like Cuomo) who aren’t afraid to call bullies out for their weakness.

As the internet meme goes: “This is Chris. Chris doesn’t tolerate bullies. Be like Chris.”

And while I’m on the subject, let’s admire Cuomo not only for his positive message, but for his positively buffed biceps.

View this post on Instagram

Outfished by the Mario-man AGAIN! Grandma is getting dinner courtesy of her only grandson! #fluke but not #fake #summer #family #fishing

A post shared by Christopher C. Cuomo (@chrisccuomo) on Jul 2, 2017 at 12:06pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Ask and you shall receive-- here's a photo requested by many of you! When Chris asked me why he was being written about during the hurricane, I showed him this picture and he hung up the phone! Rose #FlashbackFriday #CuomoThrowbacks #HurricaneIrma #CuomoPrimeTime #CPT #LetsGetAfterIt

A post shared by Christopher C. Cuomo (@chrisccuomo) on Apr 13, 2018 at 4:49am PDT

View this post on Instagram

better to be lucky than good...this #fluke swam into my hook today. And then on the way back in we ran over a mako shark. True story.

A post shared by Christopher C. Cuomo (@chrisccuomo) on Jul 12, 2016 at 3:26pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

This ain't fake… But it is a fluke :-) less negativity, more positivity! That is my wish for everyone over this important weekend. I hope you enjoy family, good times, and good thoughts about our collective freedoms. We are a very, very lucky people.#Southampton #Fluke #Fishing #FourthofJuly #Goodtimes

A post shared by Christopher C. Cuomo (@chrisccuomo) on Jun 30, 2017 at 1:31pm PDT

CNN's Chris Cuomo Fact Checks Trump Spox About "Overwhelming" Win

Sean Spicer, the Republican National Committee spokesman rumored to be on the short list for Trump's White House Press Secretary, told CNN's Chris Cuomo that Team Trump has been “unbelievably transparent” about his business dealings and the roles of his children in his administration.

“The American people have understood exactly what they’re getting, and they voted overwhelmingly for him,” Spicer said on CNN's New Day. “He has been very clear about what he owns, the role of his family and everything else since he announced that he was running for president — and they overwhelmingly elected him with all of that on the table.”

Cuomo stepped in with some facts (via Raw Story):

“We know that more people are concerned about his business dealing than who are not, we know that his approval rating is low compared to where other president-elects have been at this point — but let’s dismiss the polls,” Cuomo said. “You said they overwhelmingly voted for him. There is no definition of overwhelming that would meet this statistical criteria.”

“It’s one of the lowest electoral margins we’ve had — I think it’s 46th out of 50-something,” Cuomo continued. “It’s one of the lowest in the last few cycles we’ve had. He won, he’s the president-elect, he will be the next president of the United States, but I’m saying, if you want to be straight about it and transparent — it wasn’t overwhelming.”

Regarding his children, Trump said during a debate that he would put his assets into a blind trust, which he is not doing.

Plus, his sons, who are to run the Trump companies, are sitting in on presidential meetings Trump has with foreign leaders and corporate CEOs, all of which is a huge conflict of interest.

.@ChrisCuomo to @seanspicer: Transparency is woefully lacking where it matters most. Spicer replies: "We have been unbelievably transparent" pic.twitter.com/gNQmrZ6FU0

— New Day (@NewDay) December 15, 2016

Trump Campaign Manager To CNN's Chris Cuomo: "You Sound Desperate And Partisan"

Things got heated this morning during an interview between CNN's Chris Cuomo and Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.

After Conway's assertions that her candidate sends a more positive tone (he doesn't) and that the Trump campaign doesn't have to "clean up" after his wide swipes at his opponents (they do), Cuomo pointed out that Trump doesn't renounce white nationalist (racist) supporters.

Conway quickly interjected to Cuomo, “now you sound a little desperate and partisan.”

Watch below.

Chris Cuomo To Rudy Giuliani: "You're In Trumpland"

Rudy Giuliani is like a pig in shit as he conflates and obfuscates any and all possible conspiracy theories concerning Hillary Clinton in this interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo.

He's clearly living for all the attention he's getting as a Trump surrogate.

From Mediaite:

“I mean Rudy! I have looked up to you my entire life because you’re so accurate,” said Cuomo as the exchange got heated. “And all of a sudden you’re in Trumpland, and the facts are all over the place.” As Giuliani dug deeper into the rabbit hole to make his case, Cuomo asserted, “You’re not even close to connecting anything yet. You’re not close.”

Giuliani pivoted at one point to slam Cuomo and, presumably, CNN for their treatment of the GOP nominee, saying “You guys are so darn unfair to Trump!” Cuomo appeared incredulous with just how loose and fast Giuliani has become when it comes to the facts of a case.

Hillary Clinton To CNN: "I Will Be The Nominee"

Former Secretary of State and current Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton, during an in-depth one-on-one interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo, that the Democratic nomination will be hers, saying, “I will be the nominee of my party. That is already done, in effect. There is no way that I won’t be.”

I'm sure the Bernie Bros' heads will explode over that comment. But, the fact of the matter is - she will be the nominee.

Hillary also stated categorically that she feels Donald Trump is not qualified to be president of the United States:

Trump Goes Whiny-Baby When Not Congratulated On GOP Nomination

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump whines that CNN's Chris Cuomo didn't begin this morning's interview with a "congratulations" on becoming the GOP nominee, even though Cuomo had already congratulated Trump the last time they spoke.

Lord, the ego.

From Mediaite:

Cuomo started off by asking Trump about a line of rhetoric that has emerged from the campaign trail — “you are attacking Hillary Clinton for the sexual past and indiscretions of her husband,” he noted — a tactic that may give voters pause. “What is your thinking on this line of attack?” Cuomo furthered.

Did Trump answer the question? Not even close. “Well this is a nice way to start off the interview,” the presumptive nominee said with all the sensitivity of a kid in a candy store who was denied his Sour Patch Kids. “First of all, you should congratulate me for having won the race. I thought, you know, at least there would be a small congratulations but I’m not surprised with CNN because that’s the way they treat Trump.”

“You know, they call it the ‘Clinton Network,’ and I believe that. So, uh, let’s start off right there,” Trump continued to say during his phone-in hit. “I said congratulations the last time we spoke!” clarified Cuomo.

Unhinged Donald Trump Rants On CNN Regarding Banning All Muslims From Entering America

After yesterday's announcement by Donald Trump that he intends to halt all Muslims from entering the United States, the Trumpster is making the rounds via phone today defending what would be his controversial (and divisive) approach to handling world affairs.

Calling into CNN's "New Day," Trump got into a heated exchange with host Chris Cuomo.

Via Mediaite:

Cuomo opened up the interview by noting how Trump’s idea is the latest in a series of positions leading to serious division and condemnation on both sides of the political spectrum. To this, Trump claimed the attacks in San Bernardino and Paris are proof that Muslims are trying to infiltrate and destroy America, and that “we have no choice but to do exactly what I said until our country’s representatives can figure out what the hell is going on.”

Cuomo reiterated that the idea of rejecting an entire religion is the antithesis of American values and freedoms, and pushed back saying “you’re acting out of fear, not making us look strong, and rejecting what America is all about.”

Later in the segment, Trump made a claim about intelligence reports to which Cuomo replied, "Our security network is the best in the world. If you ask people who are in the business of keeping us safe, they think the idea of banning Muslims does nothing to help and everything to hurt. They're the experts, that's what they say. They think the idea is stupid."

I should point out that EVERY Republican White House hopeful denounced the idea of slamming the door on all Muslims yesterday. And intelligence/security experts all day long agreed the policy would hurt the United States, not help it.

Cuomo rocked this.

You can watch the entire segment below.

CNN's Chris Cuomo Takes Down Indiana Hater - "Own Who And What You Are"

CNN's Chris Cuomo does not suffer fools lightly. And he proved that once again this morning.

If you come on his show, you better know your stuff. Clearly, Ryan McCann was not prepared to be confronted with facts.

From Mediate:

New Day host Chris Cuomo, who’s become a one-man wrecking ball over Indiana’s just-passed “religious liberty” bill, confronted Ryan McCann, Policy Director of the Indiana Family Institute, Tuesday morning for his third contentious interview on the subject in the past 24 hours.

McCann argued that the bill only ensures protections for religious minorities, something Cuomo said was belied by the presence of anti-LGBT figures at the bill’s signing. McCann said that the statements Cuomo was alluding to had been passed around the internet “by the left.”

Things got personal when Cuomo demanded McCann account for the real motives behind the bill, which was supported by “groups like yours, that are Christian-based, with an animus toward the LGBT community. Own who and what you are. There’s nothing wrong with that you’re allowed to believe it but you’re not about native americans or people who want liver transplants, right?”

FRC's Peter Sprigg Gets Schooled By CNN's Chris Cuomo On Indiana "License To Discriminate"

CNN's Chris Cuomo delivers an epic take-down of virulently anti-gay Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council over Indiana's "License To Discriminate" legislation - SB101.

Excerpt via Mediaite:

“There is a picture that’s circulating around of the governor as he signed [the bill],” Cuomo said. “Several of the people in the picture are outspoken critics of gay existence. Now, that’s not a coincidence. It’s not a coincidence why you’re against it. Let me ask you, why do so many Christians these days believe that the exercise of their faith requires exclusion and judgment of others?”

“Some people have a sincere, conscientious belief that marriage is defined as the union between a man and a woman,” Sprigg replied. “In fact the majority of Americans believe that.”

“Popularity is not the ultimate arbiter of what is right and wrong if protecting rights under the Constitution,” Cuomo said. “The question then goes to: why do you need this? What is it about someone being gay or someone wanting to marry someone of the same sex — what is there in that that is keeping you from being the Christian you want to be?…If I said, Mr. Sprigg, you must go marry a man right now, you can say, no, that’s a violation of my faith. Maybe that, you would be able clear this burden. But how is wanting to judge others somehow stopping you from practicing your faith?”

The upshot? We're not crazy here, kids. Everyone sees this. The haters just don't want to say it out loud.

Forward.

CNN's Chris Cuomo Versus Alabama Justice Roy Moore On Same-Sex Marriage

CNN's Chris Cuomo interviewed a cantankerous Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore this morning regarding his current stance blocking same-sex marriage in Alabama.

The segment, 25 minutes long, is worth the watch. It's not often you see a reporter actually ask substantive follow-up questions this in depth. Cuomo does not give Moore a pass here.

I should note: Chris Cuomo is a licensed attorney. He is not simply a reporter having an "opinion" on law here.