US politician insists she ‘wasn’t drunk’ after slurring her words in baffling televised interview
A politician in the US has denied being intoxicated during an interview on television after she slurred her words during the 10 minute segment.
Jaime West is a candidate for the Democratic party who is running for Fayette County Council in Indiana, and has gone viral after the chaotic interview.
At one stage of the interview, she said that she would 'fire all republicans', adding: "I don't even talk to them. I don't like them."
During a moment where she was asked if she had a 'final message for the voters, she said: "We have guns too."
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In a subsequent appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Monday, West admitted that she had drunk 'three beers' before her appearance for the interview, but insisted that she 'wasn't that intoxicated'.
When Morgan asked her whether she had had a drink before the interview, she said: "I had a Coors Light. I had a beer.
She then added: "I was nervous, okay? I was going in a room with full Republicans."
When asked by Morgan to be 'completely honest and transparent', she said 'alright three', before confirming that she had had three beers before the interview, and admitted that she might have been 'a little intoxicated'.
Nonetheless, she insisted: "But I do know what I’m talking about when it comes to Indiana politics."
West also stood by her comments that were directed towards Republicans, saying that she is 'not friends' with Republican colleagues and that she says things like that 'all the time'.
In a written statement shared with IndyStar, West said: "My recent appearance on TV3 has unexpectedly brought a lot of attention, which has been a bit overwhelming.
"I am deeply concerned about the current political climate in Indiana."
The interview had unfolded on Connersville TV3, which had broadcast a forum for local candidates, and saw her launch into criticism of the MAGA movement, saying at one point: "There's Republicans who actually get it, you know? There are good Republicans out there," adding: "Then there's MAGA."
She added: "What do you want me to say. I don't like being around them."
It was part of a one-hour-long forum which featured candidates for the county council, as well as Fayette County Commission and Fayette County School Corp.
West has also criticised the construction of data centres.
"Republican policies continue to raise property and income taxes while granting tax breaks to data centres, all while residents struggle with the rising costs of groceries, daycare, and utilities," she said in a statement shared with IndyStar.
She also lamented people having 'hostility' towards Democrats in the state, saying: "Given that Republicans have held control of the state for over 20 years, it is frustrating to see so many Hoosiers continue to vote against their own interests and harbour hostility toward Democrats.
"I often wonder what drives this dynamic despite the ongoing challenges facing our communities"
West is running to represent District 4 on Fayette County Council.
Kit Roberts