MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — As tempers continued to flare up over the looming sequester deal in Washington, Rep. Keith Ellison and a Fox News television host engaged in a prolonged shouting match on Tuesday.

Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison took to President Obama’s defense for what he believed was a right-wing spin on the issue from Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Ellison’s remarks came after Hannity aired footage of President Obama, talking about the looming effects of sequestration. Hannity said the President was “more concerned with fear-mongering than finding a solution.”

The U.S. Representative told Hannity, “Quite frankly, you are the worst excuse of a journalist I’ve ever seen.” When Hannity asked Ellison to repeat himself, Ellison said, “You heard me.”

Ellison accused Hannity of practicing yellow journalism and accused him of being a “shill for the Republican Party.”

At the end of the six-minute segment, during which the two spoke over each other regularly and Hannity told Ellison “I’ve given you plenty of time to rant,” Hannity told Ellison, “Congressman, you’re a total waste of time.”

Lawmakers have until Friday to reach a deal before $85 billion in budget cuts kick in.

Obama wants to see a mix of new tax revenue and spending cuts. Republicans say they will not approve any more tax increases.