CNBC host confronts anti-Trump Republican on not supporting Harris or Trump: "It's a two-way decision"

Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey faced criticism from CNBC host Joe Kernen for not backing either presidential candidate in the upcoming election.

The host of "Squawk Box" asserted that Toomey's vote for Vice President Kamala Harris was essentially a vote for a binary choice in the election.

Kernen stated that anti-Trump Republicans provide him with reasons why Kamala Harris would be the worst thing to ever happen, but still refuse to vote for Trump. They say something like, "It's not really a vote for Harris, and it's not really, I just can't."

"Since it's a binary choice, a vote against Trump is a vote for Harris," he informed Toomey.

Toomey, who retired at the end of 2022, initially supported Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections. However, he lost his support for the former president after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. In 2021, he voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment. Despite not running for re-election in 2022, Toomey's seat was won by Democrat John Fetterman that year.

If you lose an election and attempt to overturn the results in order to maintain your power, you lose me, according to Toomey.

Did you prefer Kamala Harris, Kernen inquired as the conversation became heated?

Toomey defended his position by stating that while the outcome may be binary, he has the ability to make a choice and disagrees with the other party.

Kernen persisted in questioning the Republican, inquiring about his stance on supporting Trump if the election outcome hinged on a single vote.

Toomey responded, stating that neither of these candidates are my top picks.

Kernen reminded Toomey of the massive tax increases under Harris' economic plan, stating that it would be one or the other.

Toomey stated that he was not backing Harris, asserting that her selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate demonstrated that the "left wing" was controlling the Democratic Party.

To prevent the policies of a Harris administration from being implemented, it was "absolutely necessary" for the Republicans to maintain control of the Senate, he contended.

If the other side controls the table, they will repeal the filibuster and face opposition from their left wing, which is currently in charge. Kamala Harris' vice-presidential election demonstrated this. The outcome will likely involve significant tax increases, possibly Medicare for all, and an expansion of the Supreme Court. However, Toomey believes Republicans will take the Senate.

Harris, as president, could still push through her far-left policies through executive orders and appointments, despite Kernen's opposition.

Toomey emphasized that while there will be damage caused, a Republican Senate can reduce it through its confirmation power, so they must remain firm on certain nominees.