W.H.: Trump’s Rhetoric and Policy Positions ‘Stand in Stark Contrast’ to Our Founding Values

UNKNOWN REPORTER: “And on a different topic. Our latest poll shows that the support for Donald Trump increased since he called for a ban on Muslims. A majority of Republicans and 36 percent of the public overall support his proposal. How do you explain this level of support for an idea that you said should disqualify him from being president?”

EARNEST: “Well, it certainly is a principle and a value statement that runs in direct conflict to not just the president’s priorities but also the values that are central to the founding of this nation. This nation was founded by people who were fleeing persecution and looking for a place where they could freely practice their religion. This is a — this is basic to what it means to being American. And I can’t account for the polls. There are — some sophisticated and articulate individuals who work for ABC who can do the polling analysis, but you know, all I can say from here is that, you know, it is quite clear to me that those kinds of comments and in some cases those policy positions that are shared by some of the Republican candidates for president. It’s not just Mr. Trump alone, but other people in his party who are advocating the kinds of things that stand in stark contrast to the basic founding values of this country. And that’s disappointing. It certainly is divisive. It’s a little cynical. But it’s something that I continue to have confidence, does not reflect the values of the vast majority of Americans.”