House Speaker Paul Ryan broke with Donald Trump’s description of predominantly African American communities, saying he wouldn’t have compared inner cities to Afghanistan or said they are faring worse than ever.
“I don’t see it that way. That’s not how I would describe it,” the Wisconsin Republican told CBS’ John Dickerson on “Face the Nation” Sunday.
However, Ryan gave Trump credit for attempting to reach out to a pool of voters that historically supports Democrats by overwhelming margins.
“I’m glad he’s actually going into these communities and trying,” Ryan said. “I think it’s important to show up. And I think it’s important to show up and listen.”
Pressed on whether what Trump was doing was “listening” or “telling” black voters what to think, Ryan said: “Well, I think he’s campaigning. And, I think there’s a difference here.”
“But like I said,” Ryan added, “I am pleased that he’s making the effort. Not every person running for president does that. This is something that Republicans need to do more of. More of us need to go in communities where we don’t expect to get a single vote. But we hope to get a perspective so that we can come up with solutions.”
Trump’s controversial remarks about inner cities came last week in Kenansville, North Carolina.
“Our African American communities are absolutely in the worst shape that they’ve ever been in before, ever. Ever. Ever,” he said.
“You take a look at the inner cities, you get no education, you get no jobs, you get shot walking down the street,” he said. “They’re worse — honestly, places like Afghanistan are safer than some of our inner cities.”
The comparison of American inner cities and Afghanistan is one Trump has made repeatedly on the campaign trail.
Near Detroit last month, Trump urged black voters to abandon the Democratic Party, telling them: “You’re living in poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58% of your youth is unemployed — what the hell do you have to lose?”