Conservative commentator makes anti-trans remark on CNN

A CNN panel collapsed after a right-wing pundit made an anti-trans statement live on television.

Conservative strategist Scott Jennings took advantage State of the Union on Sunday (October 13) to make an unexpected attempt to attack the Democratic Party's historic support for LGBTQ+ rights.

“I think what they're finally realizing is that a lot of men think that Democrats are more interested in guys who want to be women than guys who just want to be guys,” Jennings said. “No hunting cosplay or scary video will change that, the bed is made.”

The comment was quickly interrupted by fellow panel member Doug Thornell, who said, “No, no.”

The panel discussed a New York Times poll that found 51 percent of registered male voters support Trump, compared to 40 percent who support Harris.

Viewers quickly branded Jennings an “ignorant clown” and some also condemned CNN's lack of moderation.

Ari Dlaufen, a reporter at Media Matters for America, wrote in an endlessly demonizing a small group of people without giving them a voice of their own.”

Activist Imara Jones of TransLash Media said the segment was a sign that anti-trans sentiment is “at the heart of this year's election,” adding, “I wish mainstream newsrooms would acknowledge this.”

Although anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and pundits, especially Republicans, constantly use anti-trans talking points, research shows they tend not to win votes.

A poll published on the research portal Navigator found that anti-trans politicians are 61 percent more likely to lose their support, while only five percent of voters said they were at all interested in weakening gender-affirming care in the US lies.

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