Key Takeaways:
– Scott Jennings, a longtime Republican party consultant, is causing a stir among his fellow CNN panelists.
– Jennings seems to increasingly defend Donald Trump’s erratic actions, leading to heated debates and verbal conflicts.
– Some critics believe Jennings’ aggressive stance is a threat to journalism and democracy.
– His confrontational style has stirred controversy among viewers and other CNN contributors.
The ever-vocal Scott Jennings, known for his longstanding association with Republicans and his regular appearances on CNN, is drawing heat for his incessant defense of controversial political figure, Donald Trump. Jennings is a political consultant linked with former Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell. His views are usually aired as a conservative standpoint in the cable network’s daily political discourse.
Ditching the ‘Moderate Republican’ Image
As the election season ramps up, Jennings appears to drift away from his ‘moderate’ Republican image. There appears to be an increasing frequency of his fiery debates and aggressive arguments, defending the erratic behaviour and claims from Donald Trump. From being seen as a reliable, grounded commentator, Jennings now seems embroiled in heated exchanges adding sparks to TV debates.
A recent incident of this escalating trend features a confrontation with Vanderbilt professor Michael Eric Tyson and Rabbi Jay Michaelson. Jennings physically leaned into Tyson, pointed at him aggressively, and let out a contemptuous remark stating that he’s not answerable to either of them. This statement led to former Sen. Al Franken making a quip about not pointing fingers at people to defuse the tension.
The Rising Concern Among CNN Contributors
This change in demeanor hasn’t gone unnoticed. Both viewers and CNN contributors are showing growing concern over the volatility of Jennings’ on-air behaviour. Jennings has, till now, maintained silence on the criticism. However, the pressure is mounting.
His credibility has been called into questions by his panel-mates. Notably, George Conway, known for being vocally anti-Trump, took a dig at Jennings live on air in May. Conway asked why CNN pays Jennings to air ‘those lies’.
A Threat to Democracy and Journalism
Meanwhile, Joe Lockhart, a former Bill Clinton White House press secretary, took to social media to criticize Jennings’ outbursts. Lockhart asserted that Jennings’ actions weren’t just a threat to journalism, but also to democracy as a whole. According to Lockhart, history has shown us that such behavior should neither be condoned nor financially rewarded.
Ben Ferguson, a fellow conservative who lost his spot on CNN following similarly heated confrontations, commented on Jennings hiring. According to Ferguson, CNN likely viewed Jennings as an established conservative with a suitable Republican profile. However, Ferguson believes that the daily need to counter extreme left views might’ve pushed Jennings into becoming a more conservative individual. Jennings, in Ferguson’s view, is now closer to the mindset of a dedicated Trump follower (a MAGA conservative).