During a sit-down conversation with CPAC 2019 host Matt Schlapp today, liberal Democrat Van Jones stunned everyone when he admitted Republicans have done what Democrats have not been able to do with prison reform.

Seated next to CPAC host and conservative pundit, Matt Schlapp, Van Jones did something no one expected; he heaped praise on conservatives for the incredible strides they’ve made on an issue that should have been addressed by Democrats.

Van Jones remarks on prison reform:

I have to say something against my own interests here.

Here’s the deal — the conservative movement in this country, unfortunately, from my point of view, is now the leader on this issue of [criminal justice] reform, in that, you look at Mississippi—a rock-ribbed, totally conservative, former jailer, is the governor there—Governor Bryant. Governor Bryant has cut the prison population and crime at the same time. 

[Former governor] Deal in Georgia cut the prison population and crime at the same time. 

[Governor] Rick Perry cut the crime rate and the prison population, prison expenditures at the same time. 

Ohio.

South Carolina. 

What you’re seeing now, are Republican governors, being tough on the dollar, tough on crime and shrinking prison population, and showing the rest of the country that it can be done.

My problem is, I now have a conservative movement, that for libertarian reasons, and Christian conservative reasons, and for fiscally conservative reasons is actually doing a great job on what should be my issue. This is supposed to be my issue. You’re stealing my issue! Jones told the audience.

Van Jones laughed, as host Matt Schlapp pointed out that the CPAC guests were motioning for Van Jones to join them on their side of the political aisle. Van Jones replied, as he smiled, “I’m gonna stay with my party.” Jones then admonished the conservatives for not taking credit for the important steps they’ve made related to prison reform. Jones told them, “But, take some dadgum credit for being smart. Take some dadgum credit for getting it right.”

Watch:

Left-wing CNN analyst Van Jones: “Here’s the deal: the conservative movement in this country…is now the leader on this issue of [criminal justice] reform”

“Take some dadgum credit for being smart. Take some dadgum credit for getting it right.” pic.twitter.com/bOCQbfRt25

— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) February 28, 2019

Do you agree with liberal Democrat Van Jones that Republicans are doing a poor job of letting Americans know about the great strides they’ve made as it relates to prison reform?

Tell us what you think about Van Jones remarks in the comment section below.