Republican Congressman defends Putin, suggests lawmakers like Rubio are 'warmongers

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) called lawmakers who characterize Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal “warmongers” Thursday during an interview with Breitbart News Radio, and suggested that the United States is guilty of committing human rights violations in a manner roughly equivalent to Russia.

"We have these people claiming that Mr. Putin is a war criminal, all right," Rohrabacher began as host Raheem Kassam cut him off to ask if he was referring to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Rohrabacher responded affirmatively, saying that “he's not the only one doing this."

"But it seems to me that what we've got are warmongers… claiming other people are war criminals," he said.

Rohrabacher fretted over the “kind of tone” that sets in dealing with Russia.

“That type of rhetoric is leading us to a point where we will be in conflict and the Russians will think that we are out to get them," Rohrabacher said.

Kassam then interjected that he was taken aback that secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson did not challenge claims made about Russia during his hearing, which the host claimed were “untrue.”

The host claimed that the United States is guilty of crimes similar to those Putin has been accused of.

"Correct if I'm wrong, people have disappeared in this country under similar auspices with other politicians in the fray, have they not congressman?" Kassam asked.

Rohrabacher did not dispute the assertion and said that one can “cite so many examples” of hypocrisy in America’s approach to Russia. He then criticized Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for his characterization of Russia’s interference in the election as an “act of war.”

"Look this idea that hacking into our system — calling that an act of war, my gosh, these people want war,” Rohrabacher said.

Rubio, among other lawmakers, have called Putin a war criminal for atrocities carried out on his orders in Chechnya and Syria, and for his invasion of Ukraine, among other actions.

Rohrabacher, who was dubbed Putin’s “favorite congressman” by Politico, was reportedly considered by Trump to serve as secretary of state.

Listen below:

(H/T CNN)