Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker sat down with Chris Wallace for a Fox News Sunday exclusive interview to discuss CPAC 2015 and the 2016 presidential race. When asked about his past support for amnesty-resembling immigration reform plans, including the Kennedy-McCain comprehensive immigration plan, Walker did something shocking to interviewers and media observers — he told the truth and indicated he is capable of learning.
“And my view has changed,” Walker said in response to Wallace pointing out that past support. “I’m flat out saying it. I’m — candidates can say that. Sometimes they don’t. Absolutely. I look at the problems we’ve experienced for the last few years.”
A visibly and verbally stunned Wallace again tried to ask the governor why he doesn’t support unpopular policies now when he did before, but the governor’s answer again showed he can be a candid, responsive candidate.
“I’ve talked to governors on the border and others out there,” Gov. Walker said. “I’ve talked to people all across America. And the concerns I have is that we need to secure the border.”
FULL TRANSCRIPT (Video H/T RightSightings)
CHRIS WALLACE, FOX NEWS SUNDAY: Over the years, you have supported comprehensive immigration reform and a right to citizenship for people who pay penalties. And this for the 11 million people who are in this country illegally.
Here’s what you said to a Wisconsin newspaper in 2013.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WAUSAU DAILY HERALD: Can you envision a world where with the right penalties and waiting periods and meet the requirements, where those people can get citizenship?
GOV. SCOTT WALKER: Sure, yes. I mean, I think it makes sense.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALLACE: Question, isn’t that amnesty?
WALKER: Well, I don’t believe in amnesty. And part of the reason why I made that a firm position is I look at the way that this president has mishandled that issue. I’m one of the governors that joined — I was one of the first governors that joined the lawsuit that has been successful, at least on this initial technicality. And I hope we prevail ultimately throughout the courts.
And then going forward, I think the way you enforce it is not through amnesty. I think the better approach is to enforce the laws and to give employers, job creators, the tools like E-Verify and other things, to make sure the law is being upheld going forward.
WALLACE: The question was, can you envision a world where if these people paid a penalty, that they would have a path to citizenship? And you said, sure, that makes sense.
WALKER: I believe there’s a way that you can do that. First and foremost, you’ve got to secure that border or none of these plans make any sense.
WALLACE: But it’s a little bit slippery here. Back when you were the Milwaukee County executive, you actually supported the Kennedy-McCain comprehensive immigration plan.
Are you basically saying as part of a comprehensive plan, tough enforcement, E-Verify, the 11 million people already here paid penalty, they get citizenship?
WALKER: No, I’m not talking about amnesty. And even I said the reason for that is over time —
(CROSSTALK)
WALLACE: But you said you supported it.
WALKER: And my view has changed. I’m flat out saying it. I’m — candidates can say that. Sometimes they don’t. I’m saying my —
WALLACE: So, you’ve changed from 2013?
WALKER: Absolutely. I look at the problems we’ve experienced for the last few years. I’ve talked to governors on the border and others out there. I’ve talked to people all across America. And the concerns I have is that we need to secure the border. We ultimately need to put in place a system that works. A legal immigration system that works. And part of doing this is put the onus on employers, getting them E-Verify and tools to do that. But I don’t think you do it through amnesty.
