Are You Prepared to Say They're Islamic Extremists?': Listen to the Painstaking Way the CIA Chief Responds to Question About Islamic State

The Islamic State is a "twisted, perverted interpretation of a religion," he said — but which religion?

CIA Director John Brennan went to great lengths on Sunday morning to avoid labeling the Islamic State "Islamic extremism" as "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace pressed the issue.

As Brennan claimed the Islamic State's ideology is not religious, Wallace asked, “Well, Islam is certainly a part of it, isn’t it?”

Brennan said most Muslims reject the Islamic State and still wouldn't characterize the group as religiously motivated, prompting Wallace to ask why Brennan and President Barack Obama have shied away from calling the group "Islamic."

"Are you prepared to say they're Islamic extremists?" Wallace asked.

Brennan wouldn't say it.

Watch the clip below:

Brennan's not the only high-ranking government official shying away from labels.

Brennan's scrupulous response echoed Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson's refusal to call the Islamic State "Islamic" last month.

(H/T: Mediaite)

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