MSNBC Host Accuses Scott Jennings of Being Trump’s ‘Paid Liar’
MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell recently criticized Scott Jennings, a commentator on CNN, while accusing him of being a “paid liar” for Donald Trump. This statement reflects O’Donnell’s views on the perceived decline of CNN under the leadership of CEO Mark Thompson.
O’Donnell’s Critique of Jennings
During an episode of The Last Word, O’Donnell targeted Jennings directly, describing him as an example of the network’s downgrade. He noted that after significant departures, including that of veteran reporter Jim Acosta, the remaining reporters have become cautious about discussing Trump.
Concerns Over CNN’s Direction
O’Donnell asserted that Jennings reflects an “absurdly degraded version” of CNN. He suggested that Jennings, who initially was viewed as a moderate conservative, has shifted his stance to align more closely with Trump to gain financial benefits and visibility.
“When he first appeared on television, he criticized some extreme Trump positions,” O’Donnell explained. “However, he figured out how to monetize his brand and adopted a more aggressive pro-Trump view.”
Thompson’s Defense of Jennings
Despite O’Donnell’s harsh remarks, Mark Thompson defended Jennings’s role at CNN. He likened Jennings to d’Artagnan from The Three Musketeers, suggesting that he performs well against opposing views. Thompson stated, “Scott’s a worthy opponent for the Democrats in the room.”
O’Donnell’s Audience Comparison
O’Donnell dismissed Thompson’s defense, underscoring the lower ratings of Jennings’s show compared to his own. He pointed out that Jennings’s program often garners only half the audience that The Last Word attracts.
- O’Donnell’s show typically triples Jennings’s audience.
- The criticism of Jennings highlights broader concerns over media bias and truthfulness.
Jennings’ Response
In response to O’Donnell’s remarks, Jennings took to social media, stating, “No, Lawrence, I don’t have time to save your show.” This terse reply indicates Jennings’s awareness of the ongoing public discourse regarding his role on CNN.
Media Accountability and Viewer Engagement
Thompson’s comments about CNN’s strategy included a suggestion that the network needs to refocus on engaging their audience effectively. In a related statement, he urged reporters to avoid boring viewers with mundane political stories.
As CNN navigates criticisms from various quarters, the ongoing debate surrounding Jennings and his pro-Trump stance highlights the complexities facing contemporary news media. Whether the network can reclaim its journalistic integrity remains to be seen.
