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On Monday, July 11, 2011 U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-09) appeared on "MSNBC Live" with guest host Rev. Al Sharpton to explain that America's debt crisis is because Washington spends too much. Rev. Sharpton argued for higher taxes.
(Viewer note: The audio inadvertently cuts out at 3:26-28. Rep. Graves says, "I'm one of just a few Republicans that voted against the corporate welfare and loopholes that you're addressing.")
SHARPTON: The bigger issue is, well I can show you (crosstalk) if you let the Buch tax cuts expire now, you have a huge amount of money to work with. But again, it's not what you say, and there's the graph right there, $424 billion you cut into if you let the tax cuts just expire.
But Congressman, what I'm saying is, is I'm a preacher.
GRAVES: You're a preacher.
SHARPTON: I know the difference between talking the talk, walking the walk. You claim you voted for it, but you don't want to walk with it. Because you have an opportunity right now, on national T.V. to say to your party and to your Speaker, put it on the table! I voted against it. That's what I'm telling everybody.
GRAVES: I want on the table and what I've made clear is, cut the deficit now, cap the spending and balance the budget. That's the answer to the deficit crisis and the debt crisis we have in this nation. And if we're to preserve America and our future, it's going to take big, bold proposals. That is big. Compromise and deals, that is not big. (crosstalk)
SHARPTON: And also we cannot ever talk about dealing with the rich and the corporate jets, but grandma and working people, you, are, expendable.
GRAVES: As long as you are on the air, there will be a lot of talk about it.
SHARPTON: Thank you for your time this evening.
GRAVES: Thank you Al.
I don't think we're going to see Graves come on the air with Sharpton any time again soon and I'll just echo his words, thank you Al.
