“That’s a Very Smug Way to Look at Me”: Tensions Flare on CNN as GOP Strategist and Harris Supporter Clash

CNN’s “Newsnight” turned heated Tuesday as Republican strategist Scott Jennings and Kamala Harris supporter Leigh McGowan clashed over the Vice President’s campaign messaging, with both throwing verbal jabs and accusations of dishonesty. The fiery exchange centered on Harris’s recent “closing argument” speech, delivered in the final stretch of the election, which McGowan praised for its inclusivity, while Jennings criticized as “frantic” and overly focused on attacking Donald Trump.

Jennings, a senior CNN commentator and former assistant to President George W. Bush, opened by telling host Abby Phillip he was “taken aback” by what he saw as Harris’s aggressive rhetoric against Trump. “We’ve heard it all before. It sounded a little frantic to me to be honest, this close to the end of the election,” he said, framing Harris’s speech as overly focused on Trump rather than policy.

As he asserted that Harris had inaccurately suggested Trump intends to implement “Project 2025,” McGowan, a social media influencer known online as PoliticsGirl, quickly countered. “No, it’s agenda 47, which is exactly the same as Project 2025,” she interjected. “And you can say that as many times as you want, Scott, but it’s not true.”

In response, Jennings rested his chin on his hand with a mocking expression, prompting McGowan to quip, “That’s a very smug way to look at me, my friend.” The tension underscored their disagreement on the nature of Harris’s messaging, with Jennings implying it was divisive and McGowan arguing it resonated with Americans.

McGowan continued to praise Harris, pointing to the Vice President’s large crowd size as evidence of her appeal and describing her as a unifying figure who “will be a president for everyone — not just people she likes.” She contrasted this with Trump’s recent New York City rally, which she criticized for containing “a bevy of racist and sexist comments and jokes.”

As Jennings tried to respond, host Abby Phillip interjected with a clip showing Trump and Harris trading attacks, giving Jennings another opportunity to critique Harris’s strategy. He argued that Harris’s approach lacks policy depth, saying, “I was trying to articulate earlier before I was interrupted that I don’t think the policy argument that she’s making is going to be fully persuasive.”

Turning to immigration, Jennings took aim at Harris’s call for serious action, quipping, “Well, the building over your shoulder is where you work. Were you taking it seriously for the first 3 1/2 years?” This remark sparked another rebuttal from McGowan, who accused Jennings of twisting the Vice President’s record and motives.

“Excuse me, Scott, I’m going to interrupt you again because you’re lying to people,” McGowan shot back. “It’s nuts to say that she isn’t running on any policies. She’s only running on anti-Donald Trump. That’s crazy!”

The heated debate highlighted the stark divide over Harris’s campaign focus as the election approaches. While Jennings framed her message as overly antagonistic toward Trump, McGowan argued it reflects a genuine appeal to Americans across the political spectrum. With passions flaring and accusations flying, their exchange served as a microcosm of the heightened emotions characterizing this election season.