Dem Rep. Urges People to Fight ‘Fake News’ by Watching MSNBC

March 17th, 2017 4:22 PM

Appearing on the 11 a.m. ET hour of MSNBC on Thursday, California Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu laughably told viewers of the left-wing network: “The best way to oppose fake news is for people to watch outlets like MSNBC, where you report real news all the time.”

The comment was prompted by anchor Ali Velshi asking Lieu about a resolution he recently co-sponsored in Congress entitled: “Opposing fake news and alternative facts.” The reporter wondered: “I don’t know if it’s going to go anywhere, but it's really interesting. You're opposing fake news and alternative facts. How do you conceive of that working?”

In addition to imploring people watch MSNBC, Lieu continued: “And keep in mind, the President is scared that people will watch MSNBC, so you must be doing something right. Thanks for speaking truth to power.”

Velshi thanked the liberal lawmaker for the promotion: “I just want to be clear, we didn't offer you any enticement for that little plug.”

Lieu’s declaration came just two days after Rachel Maddow’s embarrassing non-story on President Trump’s over decade-old tax returns was roundly mocked by the rest of the media.

(h/t Washington Free Beacon)

Here is a transcript of the March 16 exchange:

11:40 AM ET

(...)

ALI VELSHI: I want to ask you about the House resolution introduced last week that you co-sponsored. I really – you know, I don’t know if it’s going to go anywhere, but it's really interesting. You're opposing fake news and alternative facts. How do you conceive of that working?

REP. TED LIEU [D-CA]: We just want to raise the issue. The best way to oppose fake news is for people to watch outlets like MSNBC, where you report real news all the time. And keep in mind, the President is scared that people will watch MSNBC, so you must be doing something right. Thanks for speaking truth to power.

VELSHI: I just want to be clear, we didn't offer you any enticement for that little plug.

LIEU: That’s right.

(...)