“And, what is Aleppo?”.
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During an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, panelist Mike Barnicle asked Johnson, a former governor of New Mexico: “What would you do, if you were elected, about Aleppo?”
Unsurprisingly, Johnson’s ludicrous response has triggered an uproar on social media and the tweets do NOT disappoint.
Johnson said he didn’t agree with that, but didn’t address his own lack of knowledge.
Open a paper before you hit the morning news shows, Gary. “So I’ll get to know Gary Johnson better and see if he’s someone who I could end up voting for”.
He also suggested that the United States should “join hands with Russia” to bring an end to the conflict in Syria.
Johnson eventually gives Barnicle an answer in the clip, declaring Syria “a mess”.
The conversation between the “Morning Joe” co-hosts following his appearance demonstrated why the moment was likely a devastating one for his efforts.
Like Romney, Libertarian vice presidential candidate Bill Weld is also a former MA governor.
After being criticised for his “what is Aleppo” remarks, Mr Johnson stressed: “I do understand Aleppo and I understand the crisis” before expressing concerns that U.S. involvement in such conflicts only makes the situation worse.
“OK. Got it. With regard to Syria, I do think it is a mess”, the Libertarian nominee said.
Johnson is now polling numbers of around 9%, and is hoping to reach the 15% threshold to get into a presidential debate.
Johnson was subsequently interviewed about the gaffe. but ended up making it worse.
“I use this as an example, in New Mexico, there is an area called Colonius, which is really destitute, if you will, it’s between the borders”, said Johnson.
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“I think public opinion is going to be more important than any lawsuit”, Weld said.
