Oprah leads discussion on Trump, political polarization in ’60 Minutes’ round table

Oprah Winfrey spoke to Americans of varying political backgrounds in a round table discussion on Sunday, in which she tackled topics such as the President Trump’s effect on the country, his tweets and the ongoing probe into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russian election meddling. 

The discussion, which aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” took place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and included a diverse group of participants, including a farmer, a sales manager, a factory worker and a speech therapist. 

“I feel like he’s a horrible president. And he’s divided our nation more than it has ever been,” said one participant, Jennifer, adding, “I think that we look like we’re a joke to other foreign leaders. It’s an embarrassment.”

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However, another participant said he was glad someone who was willing to “flip tables” was in the White House for a change. 

“We wanted somebody to go in and flip tables. We’re tired of the status quo, as some people wanted on the other side. We were tired of that,” the contestant who went by Matt said.  

The discussion also included the ongoing investigation into alleged interference between the Trump campaign and Russian election meddling. 

“I don’t want to hear one more word about Russia. That’s so over the hill for me. What good is it doing anyone?” said a participant named Paul. 

However, another participant called Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey “obstruction of justice.”

“When he fires the FBI director for performing the Russia investigation. That is obstruction of justice. He invited the Russian ambassador into the Oval and said, “The pressure is off.” Are you kidding me?” the contestant said.

The discussion comes as Trump faces a series of challenges in his presidency.

The president has ratcheted up tensions with North Korean Kim Jong Un, while attempting to achieve his first legislative victory through rallying Senate Republicans to pass an ObamaCare repeal and replace bill. 

Trump ignited controversy on Friday when he called for NFL officials to fire players who kneeled during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.