CNN’s Scott Jennings blasted Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Sunday, after a panelist called him a “consequential” pick for Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. Jennings criticized the panelist’s statement and called Walz a “buffoon” who has received a “free ride” under Harris.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” former Harris Communications Director Ashley Etienne praised Walz for bridging the “cultural divide” among voters and described him as a “consequential” pick. She also took a swipe at Republican Sen. J.D. Vance, calling him “harmful” to his party’s ticket.
However, CNN host Jake Tapper noticed that Jennings had “chortled” at Etienne’s statement and asked for his thoughts on Walz. Jennings did not hold back in his criticism, calling Walz a “buffoon” and highlighting his controversial past.
“Well, first of all, I don’t find [the picks] to be consequential. Second of all, Walz is a buffoon. I’m sorry, this guy, he’s the only school teacher in America who brags that none of his students can get into an Ivy League school,” Jennings said. He also pointed out how Walz had a “consequential press interaction” with CNN where he gave a lackluster response to accusations of “stolen valor” for allegedly leaving his battalion in 2005.
According to Jennings, Walz is getting a “free ride” under Harris and does not get much media attention. He suggested that Vance, who is set to debate Walz in a televised event, should “get under his skin” and challenge him on his past. He also accused Walz of “denigrating” Vance’s story and his achievements.
Since Harris selected Walz as her running mate, he has faced backlash for his alleged “stolen valor.” Two veterans who served with him even wrote a letter in 2018, accusing him of betraying his country by retiring before his unit’s deployment. In addition, Vance, who attended Yale University, responded to a remark Walz made at the DNC where he stated none of his students “went to Yale.”
Jennings did not hold back in his criticism of Walz. He portrayed the Minnesota governor as a “buffoon” and criticized him for his past controversies. Jennings also expressed his hope that Vance would challenge Walz in their upcoming debate. This segment on CNN served as a platform for Jennings to support Trump and speak against Walz.