Chris Ruddy on the Declaration of a National Emergency

AMANPOUR: So, I said, you know, you are a member of the kitchen cabinet, so to speak. In fact, you were with him this weekend. So, I want to ask you how he’s reacting to some of the backlash. You heard what he just said in our clip about Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity. But it looks like Conservatives are kind of split on this national emergency business.

RUDDY: Well, a couple of things. First, let me say that I don’t speak for the president. I’ve been friends with him for many years and I am full disclosure. I support the president generally on most policies, although, we have some disagreements on a few things. And I think he’s doing a fantastic job. And the border security issue, and he and I chatted about this this weekend, has been a winning issue for him. You know, so many people in the media, they live in a bubble, they don’t realize border security is a very big issue with the public. In the era of 9/11 where we have to go through metal scans and almost disrobe sometimes at airports, the idea that anybody could just walk across the border and potential terrorists could walk across the border, I think is a threat to the United States and our national security. Certainly, there’s economic issues and impact. The president has made this a very big issue. I think the polling data shows that the public supports border security. I think the Democrats, even when they’re giving some of the money and they’re realizing this, they know that this is a losing issue for them. Now, whether the border wall should be concrete or steel or slats or a fence, that’s an issue, I think, that could be a matter of compromise. Ultimately, I believe the president would compromise on the issue. He’s already said he wants a steel, he’s very willing to have a steel barrier. So, all of this, I think, will be discussed down the road. And I think the president, on terms of the national emergency funding, yes, some Conservatives, even myself, I have reservations, I think he has the legal authority to do it, I do think it is a crisis situation, I do think he has all the cards, and I mentioned this to him over the weekend, I said, you know, “That you can’t — the Democrats can’t pass legislation going forward unless you sign it,” and I think there’s going to be a willingness later after this continuing funding is now behind us for a compromised path here.