Tuberville Refuses to Denounce White Nationalism in Military

Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama expanded on his comments about White nationalists in the military, insisting “racism is totally out of the question.”

“I’m totally against racism. And if Democrats want to say that White nationalists are racist, I’m totally against that, too,” he said on Tuesday. {snip}

Tuberville on Monday doubled down on his previous comments on White nationalism and said it was an “opinion” that White nationalists are racist.

During an interview on CNN’s “The Source with Kaitlan Collins,” Tuberville repeatedly defended his previous comments. When Collins stated the definition of a White nationalist is someone who believes that the White race is superior to other races, Tuberville said, “Well, that’s some people’s opinion.”

When asked what his opinion was, Tuberville said, “My opinion of a White nationalist, if someone wants to call them White nationalist, to me is an American.”

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Tuberville previously faced backlash regarding comments made originally in an interview with a local Alabama radio station when he was asked if he believes White nationalists should be allowed in the military and responded, “I call them Americans.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer – who previously called on Tuberville to denounce White nationalism as “un-American” and stop his hold on military nominations – slammed the Alabama Republican in floor remarks Tuesday over his comments on White nationalism.

“Last night, given another chance to clear the air, he suggested that, no, White nationalists aren’t inherently racist. That yes, White nationalism is American. And that the definition of White nationalism is a matter of opinion,” Schumer said. {snip}

Sen. John Thune, the Republican whip, told reporters there is no place for White nationalists in the Republican party or the military, refuting Tuberville’s comments and saying, “I am not sure exactly what he was trying to say there.”

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