MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough yells at Mika Brzezinski in explosive debate

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough unleashed on his co-host and wife Mika Brzezinski during a debate over this week’s government shutdown – yelling at her on-air after she argued Democrats shouldn’t take any of the blame.

During “Morning Joe” on Wednesday, a panel of guests debated which party should face the blame for the government shutdown – the first since Trump’s first term in 2018 – when Brzezinski spoke out in defense of Dems.

“I also just don’t understand why we’re blaming the Democrats for Republicans lying at the highest levels of office. They have the biggest megaphone. They have TV networks that repeat the lies and say things on those networks with no consequence and the things they say are violent, okay?” Brzezinski said.

“So they’re not only repeating the lies but adding to this coarseness and there’s no consequence to it, and we’re blaming the Democrats? We’re blaming the Democrats for this. What exactly are the Democrats supposed to do?”

That’s when her husband, Scarborough – who appeared to be in another studio as the two spoke in a split-screen format – angrily jumped in. 

“They’re supposed to fight back!” he yelled.

Brzezinski shot back: “And lie as well? Like what exactly?” 

“No! No! Bill Clinton just completely abused and used Republicans in every government shutdown. I know, I was there. He was smart enough politically to do it. Barack Obama knew how to always get the best of Republicans, alright?” Scarborough ranted.

Brzezinski appeared irritated, raising her eyebrows and at times throwing her hands up.

“We’re not blaming Democrats for Republicans’ lies, we’re saying the Democrats, at some point, have to figure out how to answer those lies, and that’s not whining,” Scarborough continued.

“The whining comes from Democratic leaders that still don’t have an answer to Republican lies 10 years into Donald Trump’s terms!” 

As Scarborough continued to tear into Dems, Brzezinski crossed her arms and repeatedly glanced off-camera.

The lovers’ spat came after Congress failed to reach an agreement on a short-term funding bill – shutting down the federal government at midnight Wednesday.

Forty-four Senate Dems voted against a House-approved funding bill, which needs 60 votes to clear the Senate – so five additional Democrats must break ranks to end the shutdown.