MSNBC’s Chris Matthews asks Cory Booker to dinner during interview

“Hardball” host Chris Matthews asked Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to dinner during an interview on MSNBC Wednesday night to “talk about Cory Booker” in an effort to “learn about the challenge we face in this country.” 

Matthews, a former speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter, and the potential 2020 presidential candidate first talked about healthcare and GOP efforts to “choke ObamaCare dead” ahead of the Senate unveiling its “discussion draft” of a healthcare proposal on Thursday.

“What do we do to make sure ObamaCare doesn’t die on the vine?” Matthews asked.

“Let’s call it like it is. Literally the White House is trying to choke ObamaCare dead,” Booker said.

“What they’ve done in just a few short months is causing so much damage,” he continued.

{mosads}”In New Jersey I’m estimating that we’re going to see some pretty high increases in the individual marketplaces,” he added later

Toward the end of the interview, Matthews reminded Booker of his promise to have dinner to talk more about issues facing the country.

“Remember, you promised we’re going to have dinner some night,” Matthews said. “We have to have a sit-down dinner, you and I, talk about all these issues off-camera and learn about this challenge we face in this country.

“Cause you’re a comer. People are talking about you, sir. I want to learn ahead about you. A lot of talk about Cory Booker, okay?”

“I appreciate it,” Booker replied. “Would you eat vegan?”

“No, no, no,” Matthews replied. “But I could have a steak and you can have your, uh, potatoes. No, probably carrots.”

“Anyway, thank you Senator Cory Booker. We’ll find the right restaurant,” Matthews said as the interview ended on Wednesday.

The 47-year-old Booker has dismissed the prospect of a White House run, telling CNN’s Brooke Baldwin earlier this year he is “not open to being president.”