In response to the backlash, Ross released a statement in which he said “I have known Donald Trump for 40 years, and while we agree on some issues, we strongly disagree on many others,” and added that I have been, and will continue to be, an outspoken champion of racial equality, inclusion, diversity, public education, and environmental sustainability.”

“Stephen Ross, to me, is the epitome, this election comes down to guys like that, and people saying ‘No. You don’t get to say I’m for racially quality and all these good things, I disagree with him there’,” Deutsch said of Ross’ statement, “‘but I like his economic views, I’m going to vote for…,’ No, you own it.”

“And I think that’s the message that’s got to get out there,” he continued. “You own it, you own the blood that happens, you own Charlottesville. You can’t do it. You get the whole package. and that’s what swing voters have got to understand and be shamed into.”