
CNN Panel Erupts Over Guest's Comments on African American Voters
A CNN panel discussion took a heated turn when a guest suggested that working-class African Americans, or 'field' blacks, support Donald Trump, while those supporting Kamala Harris are 'house African Americans.' The comments, made by pro-Trump radio host Shelley Wynter, led to a fiery exchange with CNN co-anchor Sara Sidner and ex-DNC Vice-Chair Michael Blake.
During the discussion on CNN News Central, Wynter argued that 'field' black men, who work with their hands and build things, are Trump supporters. In contrast, he suggested that 'house' African Americans, who he described as 'paper pushers,' are voting for Kamala Harris. Wynter's comments sparked a strong reaction from Sidner and Blake, who refused to let him continue his point.
The Conversation
The conversation began with Sidner mentioning that Kamala Harris has been doing interviews on Black media and that Trump is overperforming in polling with both groups compared to past Republicans. She then played a clip of Trump speaking in Pennsylvania, where he said that any African American or Hispanic voting for Kamala Harris is being taken advantage of.
In response, Wynter argued that the voters Trump referred to are the working class, lower middle class who are paying more for food and gas and are being taken advantage of. He then made his controversial statement, referencing Malcolm X, saying that the election is between 'house African Americans' and 'field African Americans,' with the latter supporting Trump.
Sidner questioned whether Wynter was degrading African American men who work in white-collar jobs, to which Wynter denied. The exchange then escalated with Blake asking which category Wynter fell into and accusing him of spinning talking points. He criticized Wynter's comments as nonsense and called him absurd and silly.
Wynter defended his point, stating that the men who get up every day and make things happen with their hands, such as plumbers, electricians, and those working for Amazon, are going for Trump. He also mentioned men who volunteer their time to coach youth football to keep others off the streets. He concluded by saying that if his comments were seen as denigrating, then Malcolm X's comments must also be seen in the same light.
Bottom Line
The heated exchange on CNN highlights the deep divisions and passionate debates surrounding the upcoming election. The comments made by Shelley Wynter have sparked controversy and raised questions about the portrayal and categorization of African American voters. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree or disagree with Wynter's comments? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.