Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell and Republican Rep. Fred Upton sat down for a joint interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” to replicate on a tumultuous year in Washington and to name on Americans to, as Dingell says, “get again to only remembering how a lot now we have in widespread.”
“It’s fairly poisonous, there is not any query about it,” Upton mentioned of the local weather in Washington. “It’s a fairly poisonous place. I’ve by no means seen something like this earlier than.”
During the interview, Dingell reacted to a threatening voicemail message despatched to her workplace. In the message, the caller insults her repeatedly, naming her a “f**king foul b*tch” and including, “I pray to God, in case you’ve acquired any youngsters, they die in your face.”
“I would like the American individuals to consider what’s taking place in our nation, that this type of hate, this worry is occurring in communities throughout the nation,” Dingell mentioned.
“I used to be in my workplace, however I’ve a balcony and I watched individuals go down the mall and I noticed them come again, and I heard the noise and clearly was watching what occurred. But it was actual and surprising,” Upton mentioned.
“I imply that’s — it was a scary day,” Upton continued.
Both lawmakers highlighted their friendship as a model for bipartisan unity in Washington. Dingell mentioned her and Upton are usually at odds over laws, however Upton was fast to notice their friendship took priority.
“I can have very robust disagreements even with Fred over some insurance policies –” Dingell started to say.
Upton, reducing her off, clarified, “however I’ll at all times make her snicker on the finish.”
