CNN is scrambling to create distance between its brand and one of its own on-air contributors after questions mounted over Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells health and capacity to serve.
According to Gateway Pundit, the network moved quickly to clarify that Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell ally and former staffer, does not speak for CNN in any official capacity. As a CNN Political Commentator, Scott Jennings is not a full-time employee or journalist for the network, a CNN spokesperson told the Daily Beast. His account of a personal conversation with Senator McConnell reflects his experience and is not CNN reporting.
Jennings, who has built his career in Republican politics, appeared on CNN Tuesday evening to recount a recent phone call with the 84-year-old Kentucky Senator. Senator Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized since June 14 following what has been described as a cardiac arrest incident.
Reports indicate McConnell was discovered unconscious at his Washington, D.C., residence last month before being rushed to the hospital, fueling speculation about his true condition. Conservative journalist Laura Loomer, citing a White House source, claimed McConnell is being kept alive by machines and is brain dead.
Jennings, however, offered a sharply different account, saying he spoke with McConnell by phone for roughly 20 minutes on Tuesday. Later that evening, he joined CNN again to share additional details about the conversation, attempting to reassure viewers about the Senators state.
During the segment, CNN host Kasie Hunt pressed Jennings on whether McConnell might be willing to appear live. Do you think he would be willing to call in to the show? Can we get him on the phone now? she asked Jennings.
Jennings laughed off Hunts request and emphasized that it was reassuring simply to hear McConnells voice. We talked for about 17 minutes. We talked a lot about the situation with Iran, talked a little bit about Ukraine and whats going on in Europe. I told him I had been to the Teddy Roosevelt Library, Jennings said.
He further stressed that McConnells voice sounded strong, a claim that stands in stark contrast to rumors of incapacitation. For many conservatives, the episode underscores not only the opacity surrounding the health of powerful officials, but also the eagerness of corporate media to shield themselves while still capitalizing on insider access when it suits their narrative.
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