Ex-Clinton aide jokes that Dem candidate could ‘shoot my dog’ and still have his support

Former President Clinton adviser Paul Begala joked on CNN’s “Cuomo Prime Time” that any of the Democratic presidential candidates could “shoot my dog” and still have his support against President Trump.

“I’m a JFK Democrat. I will pay any price, bear any burden, oppose any foe to ensure the defeat of Donald J. Trump,” Begala said on Monday.  “You can be Medicare for all or not. You could shoot my dog and, if I think you can beat Trump, I’mma be for ya.”{mosads}

“Well that’s very mainstream of you,” host Chris Cuomo replied. 

Begala went on Twitter to say that he would “like to revise and extend my remarks. I love my dog Gus.”

I would like to revise and extend my remarks. I love my dog Gus. https://t.co/hJM0xB0MBM

— Paul Begala (@PaulBegala) April 30, 2019

“This is Gus.  He’s a good boy. And a good Democrat. I was only kidding on @CuomoPrimeTime, Gus!”

This is Gus. He’s a good boy. And a good Democrat. I was only kidding on @CuomoPrimeTime, Gus! pic.twitter.com/VJLnjV146j

— Paul Begala (@PaulBegala) April 30, 2019

Begala, a current contributor for the network, said during the segment that he does not have a preferred candidate in the Democratic presidential primary for the first time in his life. 

“I’m going to watch and see how they develop,” he added.

There are more than 20 candidates who have announced their bids for the 2020 Democratic primary, but four candidates have yet to qualify to participate in the debates.

Rep. Seth Moulton (Mass.), Miramar, Fla., Mayor Wayne Messam and writer Marianne Williamson have not yet qualified, according to The New York Times. In addition, a campaign official for former Sen. Mike Gravel (Alaska) told The Hill he also has yet to qualify.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (Calif.) became the latest candidate to qualify on Tuesday after polling at least 1 percent in three polls recognized by the Democratic National Committee.

Former Vice President Joe Biden has seen a swell of support since announcing his candidacy last week. 

He is supported by 39 percent of the Democratic electorate, leading his nearest challenger, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), by 24 points, according to a CNN–SRSS poll released early Tuesday. Biden and Sanders were the only candidates registering double-digit levels of support in the survey.