Anderson Cooper called New York Rep. Eliot Engel “kind of pathetic” on CNN Tuesday night for staking out an aisle seat for President Barack Obama‘s Address to Congress more than 12 hours before it began.

Engel responded in the New York Daily News. “What’s really pathetic is that Anderson Cooper apparently doesn’t share my enthusiasm for participating in such a historic and wonderful celebration of American democracy,” he said. “I am sorry he is so jaded.”

Last night on AC360, Cooper explained his point. “Pathetic may have been too strong a word,” he said. “I certainly have nothing against the congressman, nor do I think I’m jaded. But I do think it’s worth knowing how our elected officials choose to spend their time. And if you feel sitting on a bench for 12-and-a-half hours is the best use of your time, so be it. It’s up to your constituents to decide if they agree with you.”