Pence: Trump ‘Has The Right To Defend Himself’ Against Rep. John Lewis

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Vice President-elect Mike Pence said in a Sunday interview that he was “deeply disappointed” in Georgia congressman and civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D) for saying that President-elect Donald Trump is not “a legitimate president.”

Pence said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday” that he has “great respect” for Lewis but was “deeply disappointed” in his comments.

“I was deeply disappointed to see someone of his stature question the legitimacy of Donald Trump’s election as president and say he’s not attending the inauguration,” Pence said. “I hope he reconsiders both positions.”

Pence argued that Lewis’ remarks were “an act of irresponsibility” and Trump “has the right to defend himself,” according to Fox News’ writeup of the interview.

Lewis said Friday that he does not view Donald Trump as a “legitimate president” who won the election on his own terms. He cited the intelligence community’s assessment that Russian operatives intervened in the election via hacks of Democratic groups.

On Saturday morning, Trump lashed out at Lewis on Twitter, calling him “all talk, talk, talk – no action or results.”

Lewis’ supporters, constituents and colleagues were quick to respond.

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