Mika Brzezinski: Ted Cruz, Republicans Willing To Shut Down Government 'Don't Love The Country' (VIDEO) | HuffPost

WATCH: Mika Brzezinski Slams Ted Cruz

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Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough sparred on Monday's "Morning Joe" after Brzezinski suggested that Ted Cruz and other Republicans who support the government shutdown "don’t love the country."

The panel was discussing how Republicans will handle the looming debt ceiling deadline, and whether the government shutdown has strengthened Obama's hand. “That shows just how much they hate him and don’t love the country, and that’s what’s scary about this,” Brzezinski said. "If they actually go through with this, this is about something else."

“Are you saying they don’t love the country?” Scarborough asked.

"Are you saying they do? Ted Cruz and his group loves the country?" she replied. "We disagree."

"I have never once suggested that even the craziest left-wing lunatic didn’t love their country," Scarborough said.

"I think he loves his prospects to develop a database more than the country," Brzezinski said. Watch the debate in the video clip above.

(h/t Washington Free Beacon)

Before You Go

2013 Government Shutdown Protests

'Hands Off My Obamacare'(01 of65)

Activists with the California Alliance for Retired Americans hold placards while gathered for a die-in to protest the government shutdown and possible effects on senior citizens in front of the Federal Building in Los Angeles on October 16, 2013. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Cause Of Death: Sequester Cuts'(02 of65)

Activists perform a "Die In" to protest government shutdown and proposed cuts to Medicare, Social Security benefits, as well as child care, food, disability, and senior advocate programs outside of the federal building in San Francisco, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)

'Cause Of Death: Cuts To Food Programs'(03 of65)

Katherine Bock of the Low Income Self Help Center in San Jose, Calif., holds up a black rose while listening to speakers outside of the federal building in San Francisco, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)

'Facts Matter'(04 of65)

Activists with the California Alliance for Retired Americans hold placards while gathered for a die-in to protest the government shutdown and possible effects on senior citizens in front of the Federal Building in Los Angeles on October 16, 2013. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Congress End The Madness'(05 of65)

Steven Ahrenholz, a furloughed Federal worker, protests outside the Department of Health and Human Services CDC offices, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) (credit:AP)

'Obamacare: It's Working'(06 of65)

Protesters demonstrate outside the offices of Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, in West Chester, Ohio. The government shutdown is entering its third week. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) (credit:AP)

'No Work ... No Pay!'(07 of65)

Tania Carreon, a furloughed Federal worker, protests outside the Department of Health and Human Services CDC offices, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, in Cincinnati. The government shutdown is entering it's third week. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) (credit:AP)

'Freedom Protects..."(08 of65)

A protester speaks to people gathered at a rally at the World War II Memorial in Washington Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, has leaders in the U.S. Senate have taken the helm in the search for a deal to end the partial government shutdown and avert a federal default. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (credit:AP)

Ted Cruz(09 of65)

Tea Party Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at a rally at the World War II Memorial in Washington Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. Leaders in the U.S. Senate have taken the helm in the search for a deal to end the partial government shutdown and avert a federal default. The rally was organized to protest the closure of the Memorial, subsequent to the shutdown, and lack of access to it by World War II veterans, who traveled there on Honor Flight visits. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (credit:AP)

'Impeach Obama'(10 of65)

A man, who asked to be identified only as "Frank", carries and "Impeach Obama" sign while protesting with others outside the White House in Washington Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, as the partial government shutdown enters its third week. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (credit:AP)

Veterans(11 of65)

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Joe Gschwind (cq) shows a flag in his cap at a rally to support veterans Sunday morning, October 13, 2013 at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/The Florida Times-Union, Will Dickey) (credit:AP)

'No Furlough ... #StopTheShutdown"(12 of65)

Federal worker protest outside the Department of Health and Human Services CDC offices, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) (credit:AP)

'Shutdowns Kill! ... Congress: Do Your Job!'(13 of65)

Activists with the California Alliance for Retired Americans hold placards while gathered for a die-in to protest the government shutdown and possible effects on senior citizens in front of the Federal Building in Los Angeles on October 16, 2013. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'We Do Our Jobs, Now You Do Yours'(14 of65)

Furloughed federal workers protest outside the U.S. Capitol to demand an end to the lockout of federal workers caused by the government shutdown October 4, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Stop Arguing ... We Need Our Funds'(15 of65)

Protesters hold placards urging the U.S. Congress to end the federal government shutdown on October 9, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (MICHAEL MATHES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'GOP Open The ENP'(16 of65)

Fishing guide Captain Steve Friedman (C) along with his family, Kristine Friedman (L), Benjamin Friedman (R) and friend Sam Kaufman participate in a floating protest asking the U.S. government to stop the shutdown and open the Everglades National Park on October 9, 2013 in Islamorada, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Stop The Furlough ... Pass A Clean CR ... Raise The Debt Ceiling'(17 of65)

In this Oct. 8, 2013, photo, Andrea Bentley, with the American Federation of Government Employees, protests the government shutdown outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman) (credit:AP)

'Jobs Not Furloughs!'(18 of65)

Union federal employees protest the partial shutdown outside the McNamara Federal Building on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Detroit. The government shutdown entered its second week with a possible default just days away. (AP Photo/Detroit News, Steve Perez) (credit:AP)

'We Are Not Indentured Servants'(19 of65)

Union federal employees protest the partial shutdown outside the McNamara Federal Building on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Detroit. The government shutdown entered its second week with a possible default just days away. (AP Photo/Detroit News, Steve Perez) (credit:AP)

'Republicans Are Neanderthal, Racist Obstructionists!!'(20 of65)

Retired school teacher Audrey Davis participates in a protest and prayer vigil held to call for an end to the federal government shutdown on October 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Tax Wall Street ... Rebuild Main Street'(21 of65)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 08: Retired school teacher Mack Dailey (L) participates in a protest and prayer vigil held to call for an end to the federal government shutdown on October 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The protest was organized by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition as well as local labor, faith and community leaders. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Don't Punish The Public'(22 of65)

Protestors march in the Federal Building Plaza to call for an end to the federal government shutdown on October 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Americans Want Jobs, Not Shutdowns!'(23 of65)

Catherine Wriddley carries a sign during a protest and prayer vigil held to call for an end to the federal government shutdown on October 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Don't Shut Down The Recovery'(24 of65)

Dorothy James of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) holds signs during a protest and prayer vigil held to call for an end to the federal government shutdown on October 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Will Work For Food!'(25 of65)

A federal worker creates a poster for a protest against the government shutdown outside the Environmental Protection Agency office in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) (credit:AP)

'We Want To Work'(26 of65)

Federal workers protest the government shutdown outside the Environmental Protection Agency office in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) (credit:AP)

'Ted Cruz Uses Government Servants As Pawns'(27 of65)

Protesters for federal workers idled by the government shutdown gather outside the San Antonio office of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (credit:AP)

'All Feds Are Essential'(28 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., October 3, 2013, urging congress to end the federal government shutdown. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Stop Acting Like Spoiled Brats'(29 of65)

A protestor speaks to tourists while holding a sign against the government shutdown in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on October 5, 2013. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Give Us Back Our National Parks'(30 of65)

A boat is towed up the Las Vegas Strip with a sign protesting the closure of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Las Vegas Review-Journal, David Becker) (credit:AP)

US-POLITICS-ECONOMY-BUDGET(31 of65)

A protester displays a placard as he joins others in a demonstration in front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, October 3, 2013, urging congress to end the federal government shutdown. US President Barack Obama on October 3, directly attacked Republican Speaker John Boehner, saying he could end a 'reckless' US government shutdown in just five minutes. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

US-POLITICS-ECONOMY-BUDGET(32 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, October 3, 2013, urging congress to end the federal government shutdown. US President Barack Obama on October 3, directly attacked Republican Speaker John Boehner, saying he could end a 'reckless' US government shutdown in just five minutes. AFP Photo/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Set A Budget ... Do Your Job ... We Want To Work'(33 of65)

Furloughed federal workers protest outside the U.S. Capitol to demand an end to the lockout of federal workers caused by the government shutdown October 4, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Congress Beware! When We're Screwed We Multiply'(34 of65)

Furloughed federal workers protest outside the U.S. Capitol to demand an end to the lockout of federal workers caused by the government shutdown October 4, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Thousands Of People Are Laid Off Today But Congress Still Gets Paid'(35 of65)

Furloughed federal workers protest outside the U.S. Capitol to demand an end to the lockout of federal workers caused by the government shutdown October 4, 2013 in Washington, DC. Today marks the fourth day of the government shutdown as Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse over funding the federal government. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Furloughed Federal Workers Protest Government Shutdown(36 of65)

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 04: Furloughed federal workers protest outside the U.S. Capitol to demand an end to the lockout of federal workers caused by the government shutdown October 4, 2013 in Washington, DC. Today marks the fourth day of the government shutdown as Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse over funding the federal government. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Bernie Sanders(37 of65)

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during a protest held by furloughed federal workers outside the U.S. Capitol to demand an end to the lockout of federal workers caused by the government shutdown October 4, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Get Over It, Boehner'(38 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the US Capitol in Washington on October 1, 2013 urging Congress to pass the budget bill. U.S. President Obama slammed Republicans for shutting down the government as part of an 'ideological crusade' designed to kill his signature health care law. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Stop The Shutdown'(39 of65)

A woman protesting the shutdown of the U.S. government stands on Capitol Hill October 2, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Me For Dictator ... Fire Congress'(40 of65)

A protester walks on Capitol Hill on October 2, 2013 in Washington, D.C.. The U.S. government is in a forced shutdown after lawmakers failed to pass a spending bill. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Just Think All Them Fools Under One Dome'(41 of65)

Edie Williams of Columbia Md., holds her sign for passing traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, to protest the partial shutdown of the government. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (credit:AP)

'Get Your Tea Party Hands Off My Government'(42 of65)

Furloughed federal workers chant and shout as House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and fellow House Republicans hold a news conference on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol October 2, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'I Would Rather Be Working For You'(43 of65)

Furloughed government union workers demonstrate on the side of Constitution Avenue October 2, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Stop The Blackmail! End the Shutdown!(44 of65)

Peter Inman (R) joins furloughed government union workers as they demonstrate on the side of Constitution Avenue October 2, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'No Gov't Shutdown Over Obamacare'(45 of65)

Barbara Samuels, 86, joins dozens others to protest against the government shutdown outside the federal building in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (credit:AP)

'Enough Already!'(46 of65)

Vicki Maturo, of Culver City, Calif., chants during a protest against the government shutdown outside the federal building in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (credit:AP)

'Do Your @!#&S JOB! So 800000 Americans Can Do Theirs!'(47 of65)

Anti-government shutdown protesters gather on Capitol Hill on October 2, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Congress ... Try Living Without Health Insurance'(48 of65)

Susan Cooper, left, of Richardson, Texas, sits along side her husband, Jack, 93, and a Word War II veteran, as they demonstrate with nearly 40 others against the government shutdown, in front of the Social Security Administration building Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (credit:AP)

'Hey Congress Do Your Job'(49 of65)

Nelly Mathov, 79, holds a sign while protesting against the government shutdown outside the federal building in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (credit:AP)

'Mr President, Congress ... Tear Down This Wall'(50 of65)

Joe Lee (L) and Lance Frye (R) of Woodbridge, Virginia, protest outside the World War II Memorial October 2, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Congressional members opened up the barricades of the memorial again and welcomed veteran groups to visit, most of them came on Honor Flights from around the country, on the second day of the government shutdown. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Pass A Clean CRA Now!'(51 of65)

David Schogel demonstrates with others in support of the 2010 federal health care law and calling on an end to the government shutdown outside of a Department Of Veterans Affairs regional administrative center Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (credit:AP)

'Government Shutdown = A Bad Idea!'(52 of65)

Jenna Manheimer of Dallas holds a sign that reads "Government Shutdown = A Bad Idea", during a demonstration in favor of the nations new health care law, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (credit:AP)

'We Want To Work ... Furlough Congress'(53 of65)

Furloughed federal employes demonstrate in view of a shuttered Independence Hall at Independence National Historical Park Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (credit:AP)

'Save The Panda Cam ... Pass A Clean CR'(54 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on October 1, 2013 urging Congress to pass the budget bill. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Don't Shut Me Down, Bro!'(55 of65)

A protester holds a placard as she joins others in a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on October 1, 2013 urging Congress to pass a budget. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Do Your Job So I Can Do Mine'(56 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on October 1, 2013 urging congress to pass the budget bill. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Federal Employees Aren't Ransom'(57 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on October 1, 2013 urging Congress to pass the budget bill. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'You Ruined Our Vacation'(58 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on October 1, 2013 urging Congress to pass the budget bill. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Pass A Clean CR'(59 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on October 1, 2013 urging Congress to pass the budget bill.(JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Boehner, Stop Throwing Tantrums'(60 of65)

Protesters display placards during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on October 1, 2013 urging Congress to pass the budget bill. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Handcuffed Protesters(61 of65)

Members of the group ADAPT, a disability rights organization, handcuff themselves to the fence in front of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 30, 2013.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (credit:AP)

'Stop Acting Like Spoiled Brats'(62 of65)

Janette Dunder of Alexandria, Virginia, demonstrates against Congress and lawmakers' inability to pass a budget outside the U.S. Capitol September 30, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Jobs Not Furloughs! ... Don't Shut Down The Recovery!'(63 of65)

Government workers protest the possibility of a federal shutdown Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (credit:AP)

Congressional Showdown As Government Shutdown Looms(64 of65)

Protester Scott Osberg holds up a sign behind Republican members of Congress while they hold a press conference on the Vitter Amendment as the U.S. legislative body remains gridlocked over legislation to continue funding the federal government September 30, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

'Repub Liars'(65 of65)

Protester Scott Osberg holds up a sign behind Republican members of Congress while they hold a press conference on the Vitter Amendment as the U.S. legislative body remains gridlocked over legislation to continue funding the federal government September 30, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

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