Former Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz criticized the "disgusting" and "inappropriate" behavior of many Democrats during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address.
During a Fox News interview, Chaffetz specifically called out Democrats for having the "gall to sit on their hands" during parts of the SOTU when the president was paying tribute to "ordinary Americans."
"I thought the president was pitch perfect. I think it was one of the best speeches," Chaffetz said on Fox. "But I gotta tell you, it was disgusting, it was inappropriate, and I think it was flat-out wrong the way a lot of the Democrats on the floor — not all of them — but a lot of them acted."
It's one thing to remain seated in disagreements over policy, but it's disrespectful to let partisanship cloud appreciation for American principles and ideals, Chaffetz said.
"The flag, in God we trust, protecting the border, helping our troops, recognizing ordinary Americans who went through extraordinary circumstances, and these Democrats have the gall to sit on their hands," Chaffetz said.
"They're resisting America. They're resisting apple pie. They're resisting the flag," Chaffetz said. "That was in stark contrast to the patriotism you saw being exuded by the president in a very tempered way, something they say they wanna see from the president."
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin also criticized fellow Democrats for a lack of respect for the presidency.
"I think the Democrats were wrong in not showing respect," Manchin said Wednesday. "That's just me."
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