Republican U.S. Senate candidate Chris McDaniel appeared on MSNBC's Morning Joe on Friday to discuss the upcoming November 6 special election to take over Senator Thad Cochran's remaining two years on the Hill. The candidate quickly shocked many of his potential constituents when he aired his thoughts about black folks and welfare.
During a special live taping of the show at the University of Mississippi, panelist Eddie Glaude asked how McDaniel planned to connect with African Americans in a way that proved he is "not a danger to them." Glaude cited the Senate hopeful's passion for Robert E. Lee, his support of the Confederate flag and his history of correlating gun violence with hip-hop as reasons black voters might be turned off by him.
In light of all the political correctness and leftist hysteria, I’m curious about what you think: How should Robert E. Lee be remembered?
— Sen. Chris McDaniel (@senatormcdaniel) August 16, 2018
The black vote could be key in the election, as 38 percent of Mississippians are black, according to the Jackson Free Press.
"I am going to ask them, after 100 years, after 100 years of relying on big government to save you, where are you today? After 100 years of begging for federal government scraps, where are you today?" McDaniel responded.
The audience watching the taping began booing.
"I mean the state of Mississippi," McDaniel said over the boos. "I'm talking about the state of Mississippi … To your question, the candidate I am is the candidate that wants to expand your liberty … break out of old ways."
He later clarified breaking "out of old ways" means creating an "environment for economic prosperity" and shrinking the role of government.
McDaniel is running against fellow Republican and Mississippi's current junior U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith as well as two Democrats: former U.S. Representative Mike Espy and Tobey Bartee, a military veteran, according to USA Today.
You can watch the full discussion below.
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