CNN "CNN Newsroom" - Transcript: Interview with Congresswoman Dina Titus

Interview

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

SCIUTTO: The state of Nevada had been on that list. It is now, however, projected to be another win for Biden with its six electoral votes. Democrat Dina Titus, she represents Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congresswoman, thank you so much for joining us this morning.

REP. DINA TITUS (D-NV): Thank you for having me.

SCIUTTO: I want to ask you this, big picture. This is a moment for the country in a divided time.

What was your reaction to Joe Biden's message this evening as he spoke of his victory?

TITUS: I thought he said exactly what needed to be said and it was a continuation of the message he had throughout his campaign, that he was going to be a president for all Americans. He didn't believe in blue states or red states. He wanted to restore unity, bring people back together, talk about how making progress for the country, restoring our position internationally.

No bad words about the president, no criticism of Republicans. It was a good, positive message, which is what we used to hear from presidents.

SCIUTTO: Yes, particularly in this moment.

There is history, of course, being made. That is Senator Kamala Harris, now Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, first woman, first woman of color, first woman of South Asian descent. Your reaction, particularly as a congresswoman in this Congress.

TITUS: Well, I was very excited about it. As she said, it was an audacious choice. Not only is she so qualified but she is a good balance to him. I represent Las Vegas, a very international city, a lot of immigrants here.

[02:25:00]

TITUS: A lot of visitors here from around the world, it sends a very positive message that this administration looks like the face of America.

SCIUTTO: Let me ask you this, because the sad fact is, the president is claiming, without evidence, that the election was stolen. I want to give you a chance; Nevada had a relatively close election, although now the votes have been counted.

What's your response to the president and his allies claiming fraud here?

TITUS: Well, I think they know that's not going anywhere. He knew he couldn't win legitimately so he is trying to bring the election into question.

Here in Nevada, our legislature passed the law that set up our electoral process. They've sued us four times. All of them have been declared inconsequential and thrown out. We have a Republican secretary of state.

They're suing us again. It's not going anywhere. You have to have proof in the court for a lawsuit. There is no proof of any of these allegations.

SCIUTTO: The irony, particularly as some GOP lawmakers echo now the president's attack, is that they themselves were elected in this election -- or reelected. And yet they're claiming that the election was fraudulent in some way.

You work alongside Republicans, of course, in Congress. And I want to give you a chance here just to speak to them, to those who are now echoing an attack that does not have evidence, at least presented by those making the attack.

What do you say to them as they attack this U.S. institution?

TITUS: Well, it's been discouraging all along to see them stand up for a president who has told a lot of lies and not put policy forward that helps the American people. And now I guess this is kind of their last gasp.

But I'm hoping that, once the president is gone, they'll kind of come back to their senses. Joe Biden knows how to work across the aisle. We can find a lot of policies that aren't ideological, like infrastructure. Everybody needs roads. And let's figure out a way to work together and put aside some of that rhetoric.

SCIUTTO: Well, from your lips to God's ears, Congresswoman, thank you so much for joining us and staying up late to speak to us this evening.

TITUS: Well, thank you so much. Las Vegas is a 24-hour town. It's not a problem.

SCIUTTO: As those words came out of my mouth, I said, wait a second, it's Vegas here. What am I talking about late? But we do appreciate you taking the time.

TITUS: Thank you.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source