MSNBC political analyst Zerlina Maxwell rushed to the defense of South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg after the presidential candidate was heckled by anti-LGBTQ protesters in Des Moines, Iowa.

“Zerlina Maxwell, what did you make of how Mayor Pete handled these instances?” MSNBC anchor Kasie Hunt asked.

“I think he handled it with all class and I think that we are going to see a number of protests, anti-abortion protesters are going to show up at events throughout this primary, I have no doubt,” she replied.

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Maxwell explained her history of debating religious fundamentalists.

“Because I was raised by two pastors — so while I am a progressive feminist, I have often debated folks who are citing the Bible and shouting out Sodom and Gomorrah, that’s something they always say,” she explained. “And I would always push back and say, ‘Listen, if Jesus is so great, why weren’t you nicer? Why aren’t you kinder? Why aren’t you more fair and kind to your neighbor and to your fellow human beings?'”

“Jesus needs new PR, I would always had that line when I was growing up,” she added.

“Because honestly, I think what Mayor Pete is doing, he is demonstrating how to actually be a Christian, to embrace people, to be more compassionate,” Maxwell said. “I think that’s an example that crosses partisan boundaries actually.”

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