On Friday's CNN Newsroom, during a segment with two leaders from a predominantly black church in North Carolina that is endorsing Donald Trump for President, host Carol Costello at one point hit them with an over the top comment from the church's Facebook page which compared them to Judas for supporting the GOP presidential candidate. The comment even included a snide comment about the possibilty that Trump wishes to "date his daughter."
The CNN host began reading the comment:
Pastor Rodgers, some African-Americans are upset that you're having this event in support of Mr. Trump. For example, Joe Lowry wrote on your church's Facebook page, quote, "Trump is a racist, misogynistic narcissus who has never and will never care about black people are any people of color, or even poor white people. He only cares about himself and maybe his family. He's even indicated his desire to date his own daughter."
After pausing to inject, "Which is a low blow, I'll admit," Costello continued reading:
"I don't know how much he's paying you or your church for your endorsement, but whatever it is, it's equal to 30 pieces of silver."
Looking to Pastor Thomas Rodgers of Antioch Road to Glory International Ministries, the CNN host then posed: "Pastor Rodgers, how would you respond to that?"
After the pastor explained why he was supporting Trump for President, Costello followed up by asking if the church was being paid by the Trump campaign for their support: "There were many comments on your Facebook page, Katrina, from people wondering if the Trump people paid you to hold this event. Can you clear that up for them?"
The segment concluded with Katrina Rodgers, the church secretary, explaining that not only were they not offered anything for their endorsement, but that they were the ones who initiated contact with the Trump campaign.
Below is a transcript of the relevant portion of the Friday, August 5, CNN Newsroom with Carol Costello:
CAROL COSTELLO: This Sunday, top Donald Trump surrogates are headed to church. More specifically, the Antioch Road to Glory International Ministries, a predominantly African-American church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Why? Well, the church is hosting a "day of endorsement" event, and their congregation has chosen their candidate -- Mr. Donald Trump. The keynote speakers include his daughter-in-law -- Trump's daughter-in-law, that is -- Lara Trump, Omarosa Manigault, Trump campaign director of African-American outreach. And we should make clear the ministry is not tax-exempt, which allows them to have a political event.
So here to talk with us is Apostle Thomas Rodgers, Sr., of Antioch Road to Glory International Ministries, and his daughter Katrina, who serves as the church's secretary. Welcome to you both. ... Thank you for being here. I want to begin by reading a recent post from your church about this upcoming event. Quote, "Supporting Hillary is like being with an abusive ex, one that you know already left you broken and wounded. At this point, give the new guy a chance." So, Pastor Rodgers, what do you mean that Hillary Clinton is an "abusive ex"?
[PASTOR THOMAS RODGERS SR., ANTIOCH ROAD TO GLORY INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES]
Katrina, why do you think that Hillary Clinton is dangerous for the country?
[KATRINA RODGERS, ANTIOCH ROAD TO GLORY INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES SECRETARY]
Pastor, I was curious, why isn't Mr. Trump himself coming to your event?
[PASTOR RODGERS]
Katrina, how specifically can Donald Trump help your community?
[KATRINA RODGERS]
Pastor Rodgers, some African-Americans are upset that you've having this event in support of Mr. Trump. For example, Joe Lowry wrote on your church's Facebook page, quote, "Trump is a racist, misogynistic narcissus who has never and will never care about black people are any people of color, or even poor white people. He only cares about himself and maybe his family. He's even indicated his desire to date his own daughter."
Which is a low blow, I'll admit.
"I don't know how much he's paying you or your church for your endorsement, but whatever it is, it's equal to 30 pieces of silver."
Pastor Rodgers, how would you respond to that? [PASTOR RODGERS]
There were many comments on your Facebook page, Katrina, from people wondering if the Trump people paid you to hold this event. Can you clear that up for them?
KATRINA RODGERS: There was absolutely no exchange of funds, no favors given. We actually reached out to Trump's North Carolina state director, who even prior to him being a state director for Donald Trump, he was the Republican African-American engagement office here in Charlotte, North Carolina, and so we had already established a relationship.
And I assure you, there was no dollars exchanged, no favors given. This is any attempt like any other attempt during any other electoral -- they come and visit our churches every two and four years. And so we just opened up our doors and said for Mr. Trump that we could identify with certain things and we thought that our agenda could definitely grab hold to presenting ourselves and our vision to him to endorse us as well. It's mutual.
