Conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings sparked a clash with fellow panelists on August 11 after declaring that progressive Democratic candidates’ criticism of U.S. holidays is a “window” into their “communist” souls.
During a CNN segment moderated by Kaitlan Collins, Jennings referenced past comments from Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong about Thanksgiving and Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s criticism of Fourth of July fireworks. “I think these are windows into the souls of these anti-American radical communists,” Jennings said.
CNN commentator Karen Finney immediately pushed back, exclaiming “Oh God, Scott, come on!” Collins then interjected to clarify El-Sayed’s actual position. El-Sayed had asked YouTube viewers to consider alternatives to fireworks on Independence Day, citing air quality concerns, risks to veterans with PTSD, and dangers to children and pets — not criticizing the holiday itself.
“Why did he delete it then? If it’s so harmless, why did he delete it?” Jennings countered when Collins made the distinction. Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross added that “people would come up with the same misconceptions you just did,” suggesting Jennings was mischaracterizing the candidates’ positions.
Hong, who made headlines for a 2020 social media post calling Thanksgiving a “colonizer holiday” that should be canceled, has since walked back those comments. In August, she told Politico that “Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday” and that she does not want to cancel it. El-Sayed’s campaign similarly stated that the old clips “do not reflect his current views,” noting that he “celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks like the next Michigander” and that the YouTube videos were “cherry-picked comments from old podcasts.”
The exchange reflects a broader pattern of Jennings engaging in heated debates on the network. The clash came as both Hong and El-Sayed were competing in Democratic primaries — Hong in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race and El-Sayed in Michigan’s Senate race — where their past statements on American traditions have become campaign issues.
Sources
- Mediaite — detailed transcript and video of the CNN panel clash, including direct quotes from Jennings, Finney, and Collins
- CNN — K-File investigation of El-Sayed’s deleted YouTube videos and their specific content about fireworks and Independence Day
- Washington Post — reporting on Hong’s past Thanksgiving post and her subsequent statement to Politico
