Sen. Roy Blunt: Maxine Waters ‘is Very Smart’

“She is very smart and very calculating,” said Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) on Sunday when describing Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).

Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press with host Chuck Todd,  Sen. Blunt was asked to discuss a statement from Republican speechwriter Pete Wehner in which he said: “Trump’s made the same criticism of black athletes, black journalists, and black members of Congress,” referring to Maxine Waters. “He attacks their intelligence. His racist appeals aren’t even disguised anymore. The closest figure in national modern politics to Trump, George Wallace. Trump now defines the G.O.P.”

Todd asked Sen. Blunt if he was concerned that the president is defining the G.O.P. as anti-black? ‘Well, the G.O.P.’s not anti-black,” said Sen. Blunt.

Todd further pushed  back against Sen. Blunt arguing “It’s always with an African-American when he questions intelligence.”

“I don’t think always. I mean, look at what he said about his various opponents in the Republican primary. It’s not always,” said Sen. Blunt.  “But I think you’ve gotta be more careful in our society about what you say about people that are different than you,” added Sen. Blunt.

Sen. Blunt then began talking about Maxine Waters arguing that it’s just wrong to indicate that she isn’t a bright person.

“And, you know, a lot of things, for instance, you could say about Maxine Waters. But to indicate she’s not a bright person is not one of them. She is very smart. And very calculating,” Said Sen. Blunt.

Sen. Blunts comments come as a direct rebuttal to President Donald Trump who has frequently called Rep. Waters a “low IQ” individual.