MAGA broadcaster Scott Jennings faced criticism for his remarks regarding California Democrat Katie Porter. During a segment on CNN’s NewsNight with Abby Phillip, Jennings called out Porter for her recent media interactions while neglecting similar behavior from former President Donald Trump.
Katie Porter’s Media Mishaps
This week, two incidents involving Porter were highlighted. One incident was a CBS News interview, where she reacted negatively to tough questions about her stance on the congressional redistricting measure. Porter described the interaction as “unnecessarily argumentative” and attempted to remove her microphone, saying, “I don’t want to keep doing this… Not like this, I’m not.”
An earlier video from July 2021 also resurfaced, showing Porter shouting, “Get out of my f—ing shot!” at an aide during an interview recording.
Jennings’ Reaction and Phillip’s Challenge
Jennings questioned the public’s tolerance for Porter’s behavior, suggesting California voters should reconsider their support for her as a candidate for governor. He stated, “As a candidate, I welcome the hard questions,” emphasizing the need for a transparent leader.
Host Abby Phillip challenged Jennings on his consistency. She pointed out the disparity in his condemnation of Porter’s actions compared to Trump’s frequent insults towards reporters. Jennings downplayed the incident, asserting he did not care about Porter’s treatment of reporters.
Comparisons to Trump
During the same discussion, podcast host Tara Palmeri pointed out that Trump consistently attacks journalists. Phillip recalled her own experience, highlighting Trump’s habit of dismissing reporters with phrases like, “You ask stupid questions.”
Backlash from Various Commentators
The reaction to Porter’s CBS interview was overwhelmingly negative, particularly among conservative commentators. Notable backlash included:
- Meghan McCain labeled Porter a “mean, spoiled brat” in response to her interview style.
- Sean Spicer criticized Democrats, suggesting they require anger management.
- Cameron Winklevoss remarked on Porter’s inability to handle simple questions.
- Glenn Beck expressed embarrassment over Porter’s interview performance.
- Clay Travis contended that Democrats struggle with tough media questions due to their accustomed narrative control.
Even some fellow Democrats weighed in on the criticism. Betty Yee, who is also running for governor, asserted that Porter lacks the temperament required for leadership. Antonio Villarigosa, California State Assembly Speaker, emphasized that effective leadership demands problem-solving skills and the ability to answer straightforward inquiries.
Porter’s Response
After the resurfacing of the 2021 video, Porter provided a statement to the Daily Beast. She affirmed her commitment to high standards for herself and her staff, acknowledging the need to demonstrate gratitude for their work.
