ANDERSON COOPER (HOST): The president has spoken publicly now three times about the racist tragedy in Charlottesville. One of those times was not like the other, the one where he was reading from a prepared statement. Yesterday, before the press conference that left no question as to what the president believes, CNN senior investigator Drew Griffin spoke with a leader inside of a white nationalist movement and found some striking similarities to the arguments that the president himself would present just two hours later.

Previously:

Trump’s remarks defending neo-Nazis were full of right-wing media talking points

Jake Tapper explains that “very fine people” don't go to Nazi rallies

Hannity radio guest defends white nationalists: They were merely “making a case for white rights”