Progressive-minded MSNBC host Ed Schultz exploded on national television at President Obama, daring the White House chief to come on his show for a "face to face" on the looming Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.
Schultz's outburst came on the heels of the president's doubling down of White House support for the trade deal and simultaneous smackdown of MSNBC for its critical reporting.
Obama said Thursday evening at the Organizing for Action Summit, Mediaite reported: "I want to talk about some stuff that creates some controversy because it's important. If you were watching MSNBC and all of this stuff thinking, 'Oh man, I love Obama, but what's going on here?' So I want to set the record straight here. I want everybody to be clear about what we're doing. Because I believe in what I'm doing here."
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Schultz took to the airwaves shortly after and issued a harsh challenge to the president.
"Well, Mr. President, I want you to know that I believe in what I'm doing," he said. "If you can prove to the American people that there will not be a depression of wages, if you can prove to the American people that this will create jobs, if you want to go face to face with me, President Obama, I'm ready to go because I have the facts, OK?"
He was just getting warmed up.
Schultz went on: "I supported you big time. I was the first liberal talker to support you. I've carried your water big time when it comes to health care, I've carried your water on the economy and defending your move on the automobile industry, but Mr. President, you can take shots at this network but I guarantee you, you are wrong on this and you cannot prove to the American people. American workers will suffer if this deal goest through. ... I'd love to talk to you face to face, Mr. President."
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