Paul Begala, a CNN political commentator and former adviser to President Bill Clinton, on Monday night said he would support any Democrat who could defeat President Donald Trump, even if they shot his dog.
Begala appeared on CNN's Cuomo Prime Time to discuss the Democratic primary and the large field of candidates running. Host Chris Cuomo began the segment by talking about Joe Biden's strategy to take on Trump in his first major rally earlier Monday versus going after his Democratic opponents.
Begala, who called himself a "lifelong Democrat," said this is the first time in his lifetime that he hasn't had a preferred candidate in the primaries.
"I am a lifelong Democrat and I have no candidate yet in this field. First time in my life, I've not had a candidate that I've preferred in the primaries. I'm going to watch and see how they develop. This is what I'm looking for," Begala said. "I'm a JFK Democrat. I will pay any price, bear any burden, support any friend, oppose any foe to ensure the defeat of Donald J. Trump. You can be for Medicare-for-all or not. You can shoot my dog and if I think you can beat Trump I'll be for you."
"That's very mainstream of you," Cuomo quipped.
Begala took to Twitter after the show and said he would like to "revise and extend my remarks."
"I love my dog Gus," Begala tweeted.
"This is Gus. He's a good boy. And a good Democrat. I was only kidding on @CuomoPrimeTime, Gus!"
This is Gus. He’s a good boy. And a good Democrat. I was only kidding on @CuomoPrimeTime, Gus! pic.twitter.com/VJLnjV146j
— Paul Begala (@PaulBegala) April 30, 2019