Facing South Florida: One-on-One with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar

CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede goes one-on-one with the Republican congresswoman from South Florida. He and Rep. Salazar discuss, among other things, the presidential race and why she has not yet publicly endorsed Donald Trump, immigration, and U.S.-Latin American relations.
Guests: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar/R- Florida 27th District

[@ChrisRD526]

Thank you Mr. DeFede for holding Maria Elveria Salazar accountable. She continues to take credit for bills she voted against like the Infrastructure Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Chips Act. Vote Maria Elveria Salazar out of office this November.

[@satisfied656]

As long as folks are that gulible and vote for such bigots, they deserve what they get!🤔 Maybe sometimes people had to eat sh*t to learn their lessons...🙄

[@joseortega-us6rn]

It was also Republicans that vote against immigration bill because their master Donald Dump told them to.

[@Intellectmatters2304]

3 acts that will kill us all because of inflation 😂😂😂

[@jeri3794]

You're a liar, Salazar. Shame on you. Kudos to Jim DeFede for holding her feet to the fire.

[@astebelton]

That's how all politicians should be interviewed!

[@gloriahines5756]

💯 🎯

[@Luisparedes1225]

That’s accountability right there!

[@katrinajones8788]

Absolutely!

[@sha1841]

Every. Single. One.

[@theoriginalCoCoSmith]

Absolutely

[@MissInfonation]

Voted no, but took the dough! 😂😂😂...."I'm not trying to be a politician"..... LoL taking credit for funds your community gains whilst voting against it.....your're not trying very hard ma'am....you seem to be a natural. Excellent journalism Sir! Wish there were more like you Mr. DeFede.

[@kewakl8891]

_I'm not trying to be a politician_ just trying to be a liar!

[@Andy_Babb]

I like that lmao good stuff 😂

[@hunterrgntr]

Love your first sentence! That's T-shirt material!

[@bobbybrown2683]

She will never go back to talk to him😂😂😂😂

[@satisfied656]

As long as folks are that gulible and vote for such bigots, they deserve what they get!🤔 Maybe sometimes people had to eat sh*t to learn their lessons...🙄

[@philwilliams9321]

Yak, Yak, Yak, blame the Dems, not Republicans. Don't answer questions, sidestep issues. She should leave congress as soon as possible.

[@hippodinoreserve6090]

How can the GOP continue to blame the Dems when Trump has forbidden them to make a deal that would close the border?

[@sandykravetz4523]

Selective memory about immigration reform efforts. McCain had a bipartisan plan that GOP quashed, among other plans.

[@carblarson8868]

The GOP is a party of blame. Everything they do bad and get caught at is the Dems fault. We all went to school with weasels that never took responsibility for anything. They are the worst.

[@Betts711]

Vote Salazar out Florida! She’s putting $$ into her own pockets & voting NO to help the American people who she works for! Take her job away from her! Criminal Salazar must not represent the people of Florida anymore! Vote BLUE Florida! Haven’t you lost enough $$ just from the Governor alone? 🇺🇸💙👍🇺🇸💙🗽

[@ramirodelagarma6884]

​@@sandykravetz4523 Thank you, thanks for your comment. I came to think that I was the only one who remembered it.

[@Rayzeo]

She needs to be voted out! Asap!!! She's not for the people at all! All talk no substance!

[@terrybrown3486]

This should be watched by millions! She is despicable.

[@georgiafain3747]

I brought $40M but most of it I voted against. She also voted against money for the border. Deflect shift gaslight

[@Rodsuper]

Wrong she voted NO on all of it, across party line and then took the money and goes out to say here I got you this money that I voted NO ON but you need to relect me for this?????

[@bobbybrown2683]

​@@Rodsupercorrect that's all Republicans 😂😂😂. Just wish the American citizens would see it and stop voting against their own best interests 🇺🇸

[@cedriclashar8905]

She didn't bring 40 million she was allocated the funds due to the biden administration...she voted against the bill but took the money. Republicans are so out of touch with Americans and reality

[@JoeMamasBasement]

Oh my goodness this lady is vile! She is kicking and screaming when her own record is called out, what a temper! Can’t believe she was voted in…

[@DCI74]

Salazar was terrible, full stop. If you can't speak to your voting record then you don't deserve the responsibility of voting on behalf of anyone. You don't need to check with your staff to find out how you voted, that's on you. It's disgusting the way the GOP has no problem voting against bills that bring money and resources to their constituents just to turn around and want credit for it. It's insane,

[@bobbybrown2683]

It's called voting against your own best interests. 🤬🇺🇸

[@carblarson8868]

This reporter rocks!! Oh my, we need more of this. Thank u, sir.

[@handy_manny_777]

Thank you for calling her out

[@Revortay]

Great interview. Deserves a Pulitzer. What do you know, a journalist with research and facts.

[@hippodinoreserve6090]

Agree. He handled her as well as anyone could with all of her shouting.

[@skaetur1]

Agreed

[@josegamez3220]

Yes, there are STUPID PEOPLE, you are right lady, just like you that are fallowing the orange guy, he is playing you like a YO-YO.

[@augustokortright1454]

This lady lied so much she keeps talking in circles.

[@tonyapinner1689]

She sounds like a idiot

[@frazier9315]

*latinos for trump is a weird oxymoron, he started his campaign demeaning Mexicans*

[@theoriginalCoCoSmith]

Thank you .. and they support him with all their hearts which is crazy

[@mikeisgettinupset]

I will never understand how the cuban community in South Florida continues to fall for the same old Republican lies election after election.

[@moniquegoss845]

They vote the abortion issue. Catholics. They definitely don’t vote their interests

[@satisfied656]

As long as folks are that gulible and vote for such bigots, they deserve what they get!🤔 Maybe sometimes people had to eat sh*t to learn their lessons...🙄

[@drealskero]

Make it make sense, please! Talk about voting against your own interest!!

[@beardgangman]

He is a real journalist who isn't afraid to call out these hypothetical politicians. Thank you

[@gloriahines5756]

Mr. DeFede Excellent interview more needed like this straight no chaser

[@cpoinsette]

This was a masterclass in interviewing that is being referred to in dozens of podcasts, media all over the country. This style is more confrontational like Europe. This is what all politicians should expect from media. No softballs.

[@snieves4]

BBC did it with Shapiro. Shapiro walked out.

[@jaywoolston2851]

Amazing job, Mr. DeFede. Finally, a journalist doing their job.

[@carblarson8868]

She sure has a lot of confidence to go into that interview without an answer to that basic question.

[@markavelisocal]

That is the unnerving part about Republicans, the confidence to be interviewed and excel at lying and evading. You can tell it's become a skill set. But its much harder to lie than just saying the truth and its evident when she speaks.

[@aggie126]

Oh, she has an answer ("I'm a hyper-partisan hypocrite"). She just doesn't have one that her constituents would find satisfying.

[@Tee_Dawg1]

This lady should be talking to her party about immigration reform instead of complaining about Democrats. She is a part of the problem.

[@msha9584]

Wow, a real reporter. I can't believe a Republican actually faced a legitimate journalist. She is brave. He is an American.

[@theoriginalCoCoSmith]

She's a snake

[@theenlightenedone8573]

If she is married I bet her husband hears a lie from her at least once a day!

[@satisfied656]

As long as folks are that gulible and vote for such bigots, they deserve what they get!🤔 Maybe sometimes people had to eat sh*t to learn their lessons...🙄

[@brucehicks5817]

If she's voted out, I'll have faith in Florida.

[@Ailenna]

Is District 27, not the entire state 🤔

[@hunterrgntr]

​@@AilennaOK, taking Florida 1 district at a time.

[@rdale458]

Yea , lets do it .

[@mikeisgettinupset]

Good luck. Ronnie rigged the elctoral map in Florida to heavily favor republicans and guarantee 5 new congressional seats.

[@ausie9043]

Well don't bet on coming from Dade county.

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Rep. Salazar has a strategy of talking loud and talking over Mr. DeFede.

[@lindatoliver2267]

That's an old strategy, to interrupt and talk loud.

[@joseortega-us6rn]

Reptuplicans playbook, honorable mentions, Mat Gaetz, Gym Jordan, Margarine Toilet Green, and of course Dony Dumb the snake.

[@one4truth236]

GO P pastime behavior

[@topguy4uok]

she votes for whatever lobbyist greases her palm

[@jp7262-b5k]

She's easy to hate.

[@GettingItDone]

OUTSTANDING JOB, Jim!!!!!!!! Get em!

[@miguelperezveitia5653]

thanks to that journalist for leaving Maria Elvira's faceless demagogue speechless

[@kewakl8891]

Thank you, Mr. DeFede. Keep asking the tough questions.

[@Day0One]

Jim DeFede is very good at his job... WoW!! (Very-Impressive)-!! (He really did his homework) !! (Two-Thumbs-Way-Up)-!!

[@Andy_Babb]

I’m going to be checking back for more interviews with Jim. I’d love to watch him taking politicians to task every week

[@frqntplatypus7968]

This is real journalism 👏, bravo.

[@sandykravetz4523]

This guy is good interviewer IMHO.

[@toddfrench600]

LMAOOOO SHE GOT COOKED!!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@createprogress8732]

Amazing display of actual journalism! Great job, Jim!!!

[@KissLeo0915]

Get this reporter on the national debates👍

[@Andy_Babb]

I really hope she’s voted out down there. What a train wreck of a politician.

[@alexrudo8910]

Spin , spin, spin. She must be dizzy , which explains why she sounds intoxicated 😂

[@vangelina09]

Doesn’t she though! I was getting Janine Shapiro vibes!

[@dh891]

Why is somone who is granted asylum ironically the best example of why we shpuld crack down on asylum seekers based on her behavior.

[@gilbertoloyola297]

Bravo bravo bravo for this real journalist. That’s how all journalists should confront the politicians.

[@SW-lw6mt]

That is how you hold politicians to account. Don't let them off the hook ever.

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Mr. DeFede, your patience and straightforward inverview skills are commendable.

[@neryskkiran1820]

It's true Salazar -- just as you say -- people are not stupid!!! Here's where she just can't defend herself. Taking credit for bringing in money from a bill she voted against, 15:50, then pretending she doesn't remember, then getting aggressive when she's called out.... If she isn't kicked out of her seat at the first opportunity, then people deserve what they're getting. Help fix Florida, and get rid of people like Salazar.

[@bobbybrown2683]

I feel you. Only way to fix this is to remove all Republicans in Florida and don't let these sorry racist people in power

[@brazillianguy01]

And she says this about myorkas… and then she votes to impeach him. Get rid of her

[@neryskkiran1820]

The more people vote thumbs up for this video, the more KZbin recommends this video to other viewers on KZbin. More people see it, and then more people see how this politician works.

[@Brakdayton]

Absolutely. Thanks for the reminder.

[@biggig2872]

GOOD JOB, Mr. DeFede!!!

[@abolanos205]

Typical Latina out of Miami? Must talk louder over everyone with no validity.

[@normahernandez355]

Oye that Latina will be voted out also!!!!! The problems with the economy is controlled by the wealthy business owners, at the state level!!!! Can’t fool me Maria. 💙🇺🇸⚖️🦉🗳️

[@hippodinoreserve6090]

Let me get this straight, the Biden administration caught one of her big political donors, but she wants to sound the alarm? She’s so corrupt and deflecting.

[@jeri3794]

Oh yes...

[@MikeRev-w3h]

That is SCARY!!!

[@joedirt8074]

Cubana

[@LittleYoki]

Incredible journalism!!! Very rare to see!

[@josephbarnes3099]

Question what have Republicans done about immigration

[@leftisbestpolitics]

Nothing but put kids in cages and I guesss tried a muslim ban, the closest they ever gotten to immigration reform was with bush but talk radio like Rush Limbaugh demonized it all as amnesty and GOP hasn't talked about immigration reform ever since

[@BradleyPitts666]

Nothing. Zero. Under the 2016-2018 Trump administration republicans had control of the house, the senate, and the White House and did nothing...no border plan, or immigration reform. They don't want to fix the issue they want to use it as a political tool against democrats. The Biden administration literally sent a plan to congress the first week of his presidency, I blame democrats for not taking the opportunity to address republican talking points. Democrats currently have a bipartisan plan for border security and immigration they are trying to get to the floor of the house and republicans refuse, they don't want to give them a "win" before the election. t's not about governing it's about talking points, don't be fooled.

[@kewakl8891]

so far, republicans are shredding a deal so that trumpy can use that issue as a campaign plank. typical republican, destroy something so that they can claim that they have the fix

[@loveinspired7]

Not a goddamned thing.

[@martionman]

Complained

[@musablue]

Mr. DeFede doesn't play games. This is what real journalism looks like!

[@josephbarnes3099]

Remember your last name is Salazar 😂😂😂

[@MrHelicx]

omfg, I just caught that. like a snake 😂

[@joseortega-us6rn]

Her family escape communist Fidel Castro and she supports Fascist Donald Trump both authoritarians. Can you believe it.

[@JoeMamasBasement]

¡Dios mío, esta señora es vil! Ella está pataleando y gritando cuando gritan su propio récord, ¡qué temperamento! No puedo creer que la votaron...

[@Sticky-Situation]

Ésto es el PlayBook de los republicanos.

[@ranjeettunes]

this man should be a role model for journalism

[@joedirt3970]

A journalist who holds politicians accountable and asks hard questions is what Americans need to see. This interview needs to be seen by everyone not just Floridians! Thank you Mr. DeFede!

[@eezyclsmooth9035]

I am Not from Florida and have Never heard of him or her but, I can say for Certainty, Jim Defede IS THE Man! (he now has 1 new fan)

[@markkocher9611]

Finally. A man with integrity.

[@ACepheidVariable]

Fantastic interview Jim.

[@Its-a-Sign]

Great interview. Finally a reporter in Miami asking the the right question, and not letting the politicians get away with lies.

[@applelandry4233]

Whooooooaaaaaaa. An actual journalist? Florida's the best❤❤❤

[@moshesierra6849]

The US economy is booming right now, GDP the highest in the developed countries She has forgotten the Covid pandemic? Eggs don’t cost $ 8 anymore , go to the supermarket and check out prices Madam

[@saymojaymo4025]

THIS is what journalism is about. You hold politicians feet to the fire wether you agree with their politics or not- not dick suckin for access like 99% of mainstream media does

[@jqryan]

Ok. Finally an American Journalist who is actually prepared for a political interview. So many journo's do not prepare.

[@coloradocrone]

Amazing job Jim for holding politicians accountable for their votes. Kudos

[@chillquinones5362]

Wow now this is journalism! Unbelievable take notes news networks

[@richiecolon3774]

Top tier journalism👏👏👏

[@triXsolarflare]

Zero Shame with Republican Lawmakers, she is not the only one taking credit

[@ramirodelagarma6884]

Can't you remember that in the House not a single Republican voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023?

[@bluevalkyrie8981]

They had 9 voted in favor in 2022. She wasn’t one of them. 😂 She was smoked in this.

[@aliemfernandez8332]

He killed María Elvira.😂😂😂😂

[@JamesBond-vx4st]

Congratulations to Mr. Jim Defede for a job well done 👏🏼👏🏼 This is an example of a genuine journalist holding politicians responsible by asking probing questions and not allowing them to deceive the American people. We appreciate the efforts of CBS News Miami.

[@redmed10]

All I'm trying to SHOUT to you is.... I never criticise anyone in Congress apart from Democrats. America should have one culture - American cuban. You have to give me more details about the chips act that everybody else knows about.

[@jh748]

American-Cuban, are you kidding? This woman is a perfect examples of the people of Miami (where Cubans are the majority). Most Republicans in Congress have absolutely no backbones, only care about their next elections and how to own the libs. Do your own research about the chips act.

[@olivergarcia2304]

Mentirosa! She likes to take credit for bills she voted against. Republicans have no shame! As an anti-communist Cuban, I ask all voters in Miami to vote blue!

[@burlingwoodau7277]

Every time I have an opportunity to take a picture to show I bring money to my constituent I do so...even though I voted against the money... I am not trying to be a politician!

[@Ohmygoshraj]

Great job Jim! Politicians that take credit for things they didn’t do yuck…

[@charmainebaker7223]

I love this guy! He is true journalist... Always watched him when I lived in Florida.

[@tonytse4905]

She's annoying.

[@vangelina09]

I think happy hour started a bit too early 😬

[@robynadams6033]

Great job!!!! A real journalist finally.

[@josephbarnes3099]

What did trump do for immigration?

[@loveinspired7]

Not a goddamned thing.

[@Noneofyourbizniz1]

Not a damn thing.

[@ramirodelagarma6884]

He built a wall that Mexico paid for.

[@Betty-ub1jc]

At least he didn't let the fake Asylum seekers in, well he did his best anyway, inspite being called all sorts of names.

[@RealBNews]

​@Betty-ub1jc that's not immigration reform. That's grandstanding. If immigration is fixed, Republicans wouldn't have much to run on.

[@viniciomerida6778]

Great Job Mr. Jim DeFede there is a very few like you today a real journalist does not exist anymore.

[@sacshellpolk1168]

she wasn't prepared!

[@redboy-pk4ji]

She wasn’t prepared cause she’s done nothing for the voters

[@russlintz2340]

Best interview I've seen in a while. This is how to interview crooked politicians. Props to Jim De Fede..

[@Dramacity818]

Is she DRUNK?

[@lindatoliver2267]

No she is not drunk. It comes across like that because she is loud and ranting.

[@titanman8302]

Another example of why people despise politicians.

[@deborahsevigny4763]

Thank you, Jim DeFede

[@sherrylking-weathers57]

I have MANY WORDS that I could say BUT ONE just comes to mind now....DELUSIONAL!😳🥺🫣🤦🏽‍♀️

[@admoon911]

Nice work Mr DeFede! Good information and way to keep this Rep’s feet to the fire for her miserable work! Well Done!

[@marcusmontgomery5051]

Awesome job of holding an elected officer accountable...

[@lisaarnold8575]

If only more journalists were a tenth as good as DeFede is...

[@joniburgess4788]

Daaaamn Miami. Is that the best y'all can come up with ?

[@trinalexx]

Jim DeFede is a good interviewer, he is well prepared and stays with the facts.

[@thekapiticoaster]

Great interview! You don't get this sort of interview often on the "mainstream" media or the rightwing ecosphere. Well done, Jim. Keep up the good work!

[@cpoinsette]

She’s trying to throw him off but she can’t. Stayed on her like a rapid dog.

[@jortalportal2834]

Didn't she take credit for a law that she voted against? And I believe she could not remember how she voted when asked by a reporter - then tried to change the subject when she was called out about her extreme hypocrisy.

[@toddflickinger5171]

Jim deserves a raise or moved to national network.

[@MikeRev-w3h]

This Dude is GOOD!!!!

[@mattjohn2782]

Suddenly she got attacked by the "I do not recall" syndrome. What a shameless liar

[@bigmissyb]

Hypocrisy 💯💯💯

[@ricardolopez0430]

Well done in the interview!! We need journalists like him! It doesn’t matter which party it is, they need to accept their actions!!

[@kpkpm3604]

If people go by feeling only and not by facts, democracy is in bad shape. Jim DeFede is great.

[@TheShinnings]

His face at the end 😂😂💀

[@brobb00]

Even though I've never voted for her, I'm still ashamed to be from her district. This November, I proudly will not be voting for her again.

[@eddiecarranza9645]

The sad thing is that the people from FloriDUH will still vote Republican. This interview will never be seen on consecutive media.