Donna Brazile accuses Fox News pundit of ignoring ‘400 years’ of racism in tense exchange about 2020 election

‘My family cannot walk out of this house without fearing violence,’ former Democratic National Committee chair says

Former Democratic National Committee chair Donna Brazile accused conservative commentator Tammy Bruce of ignoring “400 years” of racism in the US, during a tense exchange about November’s presidential election.

The pair were being interviewed about the first night of the Republican National Convention by host Brian Kilmeade during Fox and Friends on Tuesday, when the conservative pundit praised president Donald Trump.

Ms Bruce said that the 2020 election “is about a man who cares about the American people more than he cares about his next job.”

The 58-year-old added: “He has given up everything as has his family to change this nation and get her back on her feet so we as Americans can live lives that best suit us.”

Ms Bruce then criticised the Black Lives Matter protests that have taken place across the US in opposition to racial injustice, and said “no Democrat has spoken out,” about violence that has occurred at some of the demonstrations.

She said that “Americans have a choice and the fact is is that the Republicans are showing an expanse of what the American sensibility is and what the American future is. It’s not some discussion over some seminar of complaints.”

Ms Brazile replied: “It sounds like I will never be an American in your world,” and added: “Because after 400 years, my family cannot walk out of this house without fearing violence.”

Ms Bruce disagreed and said: “No one is saying that!” but the former Democratic National Committee chair replied: “Yes, you are,” and added: “What you do is ignore the pains of people who are hurting, you ignore the pains of people who just want to breathe.”

Kilmeade chimed in as Ms Bruce was speaking over Ms Brazile, and said: “Tammy, hold on one second,” before he then asked: “Donna, your point is you’re ignoring 400 years?”

Ms Brazile replied: “Don’t be so condescending and patronizing! To tell me that I cannot tell my story. Tammy, the story of people who are struggling to live and breathe are just as important as the story of one man.”

“She doesn’t want to answer,” the 58-year-old replied, which prompted Ms Brazile to claim: “It’s offensive when you say that.”

Attempting to get an answer out of Ms Bruce, Kilmeade asked her: “Did you ignore 400 years?” but Ms Brazile instead replied: “Yes, she did!” and added: “She’s ignoring it because they don’t see it.

“Tammy, I see it every day. Brian, you got me up this morning to have me listen to this diatribe from someone who does not live my existence and do not recognise my existence. You do not recognise my existence, Tammy.”

Ms Bruce replied: “And you haven’t recognised mine or anyone else’s,” and added: “We’re all at the same table as Americans.”