Ilhan Omar Changes Subject When Asked Whether Democrats Have Weak Leaders

Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar deflected Thursday when asked on CNN whether her party lacks effective leadership to handle the country’s current challenges.

In an appearance on “The Arena,” host Kasie Hunt asked Omar if she agreed with critics who say Democrats “don’t have the leaders they need to meet the moment.” Omar sidestepped the question, insisting that Democrats have leaders but Republicans are to blame for the government’s dysfunction.

“We have leaders. The problem is the leaders on the Republican side are refusing to meet with our leaders,” Omar told Hunt.

Omar said Washington’s gridlock stems not from weak Democratic leadership but from a breakdown in communication between the parties. (RELATED: Jeanine Pirro Goes Nuclear On Democratic-Led DC Council For ‘Predictable Homicides’)

“You cannot have a government that functions without there being leaders having a conversation. That is where the core of the problem is,” Omar said.

Democrats are currently under growing pressure to resolve the shutdown as millions of Americans brace for disruptions in food aid and nutrition programs. Republicans believe the fallout will force Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s caucus to drop their demands and agree to reopen the government.

Top business and labor leaders are urging Senate Democrats to back down as the shutdown disrupts travel and paychecks nationwide. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and Teamsters President Sean O’Brien both asked Democrats to stop rejecting the GOP’s funding bill and to get Americans back to work.

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