Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Reacts To Being Called A Liar
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Weston Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz says she has the "skin of an alligator" referring to the criticism she has faced as chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
Wasserman Schultz, who was in Fort Lauderdale Friday afternoon to attend a citizenship ceremony, responded afterwards to charges that she is untruthful and unfit to lead the party
"I've been in office 23 years. Politics is a rough business," she said.
This week R.T. Ryback a vice chair of the DNC called her a liar and questioned her political skills.
It came on the heels of DNC vice chair and Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard saying she was barred from attending the first Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas.
Gabbard says it happened after she was vocal for suggesting there be more debates to give exposure to lesser known candidates.
"She was not uninvited," Wasserman Schultz maintains. She also denied she was trying to freeze out other presidential hopefuls to pave the path for Hilary Clinton.
"At one point, another camp accused me of favoring Joe Biden," said Wasserman Schultz.
"The larger issue is a bunch of politicians with egos And they make up the DNC," said Dr. Charles Zelden, a professor of history and political science at Nova Southeastern University, over the political flap.
Zelden said the controversy won't affect the run for the White House or Wasserman Schultz's position with the DNC.
"It's building on her rep as aggressive and self-serving from people who are trying to take her place," said Zelden.
Wasserman Schultz says she looks forward to giving up the chairmanship after the next presidential election.