An awkward moment ensued between political panelists on CNN after a guest touched one of the cohosts while they were discussing inflation.
The exchange between Republican strategist Scott Jennings and Bakari Sellers, a former Democratic member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, took place on NewsNight with Abby Phillip on Thursday.
“Which Scott wasn’t exactly on, which is what happens at the table sometimes,” Sellers said, touching Jennings’ shoulder. “…even though I know you want to be…”
Jennings abruptly told Sellers, “Don’t touch me.”
“I can’t touch you right now?” Sellers laughed as he moved his hand to Jennings’ back.
Host, Abby Phillip, intervened and said, “Okay, everyone, keep your hands to yourself at the table.”
Jennings crossed his arms with a disapproving look as the argument continued.
This isn’t the first time the two have clashed on air, after comments were made about pro-Palestinian protesters in October.
The exchange between Republican strategist Scott Jennings and Bakari Sellers, a former Democratic member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, took place Thursday on NewsNight with Abby Phillip.
Jennings quickly and abruptly told Sellers, “Don’t touch me.” “I can’t touch you right now?” Sellers laughed as he moved his hand to Jennings’ back
Host, Abby Phillip, intervened and said, “Okay, everyone, keep your hands to yourself at the table.”
Jennings, a former George W. Bush administration official, compared the protesters to Adolf Hitler.
Sellers were shocked to call Jennings’ comments “way beyond the pale.”
‘The line has been crossed. You are there, and the line is behind you to compare college students protesting for Palestinian rights to Adolf Hitler,” Sellers said.
However, Jennings has often found himself in trouble in the air.
In November, the conservative commentator sparked debate after calling X the “most ideologically balanced” social media platform.
The panel on NewsNight, with guest host Audie Cornish, discussed whether billionaire and cozy friend of Donald Trump Elon Musk was considering buying MSNBC.
The conversation turned to whether such a move would turn the media into propaganda.
“I mean, is there a concern that certain media outlets would become propaganda arms of political ideologies? Don’t we already have that on a large scale in this country? I also hear what you’re saying about X. I saw a survey this week, it’s not the most ideologically balanced user platform,” Jennings said.
Republican commentator Scott Jennings sparked a heated debate during a CNN panel after calling X the “most ideologically balanced” social media platform
“I’m shocked,” Jennings said, holding up a copy of the Wall Street Journal with a photo of the two men together.
CNN’s Cari Champion interrupted and said, “Scott, Scott, stop, it’s too early. I just sat down. I’ve only been here two minutes, you can’t tell. Who is the source?’
He replied: ‘We have reported on this network.’ Champion said, “It’s not right and you know it.”
Earlier that same month, Jennings had ridiculed his colleagues for describing President-elect Donald Trump as “Hitler” and “fascist” during the presidential campaign.
After playing clips of Trump and Biden criticizing each other on the campaign trail, the CNN panel discussed the successful meeting between Biden and Trump at the White House.
Meghan Hays, a former Biden White adviser, said Biden traditionally did not hold grudges and was ultimately a worthy statesman.
“I’m shocked,” Jennings said, holding up a copy of the Wall Street Journal with a photo of the two men together. “I mean, did you ever think you would literally see Hitler in the Oval Office – with the President of the United States?”
“Come on, Scott,” Hays protested.
“It was the basis of the Democratic campaign that Donald Trump is a fascist,” Jennings continued.
Earlier that same month, Jennings had ridiculed his colleagues for describing President-elect Donald Trump as “Hitler” and “fascist” during the presidential campaign.
“And what I see in this is that I’m glad it’s happening… but what it tells me and what it should tell Democrats is that they didn’t mean any of it. It was all campaign rhetoric.”
However, CNN’s ratings have continued to decline as networks like Food Network and History Channel surpass them.
CNN’s audience was smaller than TNT, Food Network, Discovery, Hallmark Mysteries, TLC, TBS, History, HGTV, USA, MSNBC, Hallmark Channel and ESPN.
Just a week after the presidential election, CNN averaged 61,000 viewers aged 25 to 54. This is the smallest viewership in that demographic since June 27, 2000, when Bill Clinton was in the White House.
It also achieved poor figures for its daytime programs – shows that take place between 9am and 5pm – with an average of 60,000 viewers.
Fights between CNN staffers and former staffers have also led to declining viewership after the blame game spilled onto social media earlier this month.
The CNN row also comes as its parent company announces a dramatic new restructuring to revive the channel.
Under their bold new model, Warner Bros. Discovery will split into “two distinct operating divisions,” according to a press release.
Just a week after the presidential election, CNN averaged 61,000 viewers aged 25 to 54. This is the smallest viewership in that demographic since June 27, 2000, when Bill Clinton was in the White House.
One of the divisions – Global Linear Networks – will focus on television activities. The second, called Streaming & Studios, will focus on streaming platforms and creating “strategic opportunities” for the future.
David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “Since the combination that formed Warner Bros. Discovery, we have transformed our business and improved our financial position while delivering world-class entertainment to a global audience.
“We continue to prioritize ensuring that our Global Linear Networks business is well positioned to continue driving free cash flow, while our Streaming & Studios business focuses on driving growth by telling the world’s most compelling stories.”
This new plan will be implemented in mid-2025, the company announced. Currently, the company is split into sections: networks, studios and direct-to-consumer streaming.