Former New York Times reviewer Charles Blow objected when a conservative guest accused him of trying to create a viral social media moment in Wednesday’s magazine issue. CNN NewsNight.
During Block A of the show, the panel discussed the confirmation hearings. Jay Claytonthe current United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, whom President Donald Trump was appointed Director of National Intelligence. Several Democratic senators asked Clayton who won the 2020 election, but that was all the candidate said. Joe Biden was “certified” as the winner.
“It’s kind of awkward” NewsNight master Abby Phillip said Lydia Moynihanfinancial correspondent New York Post. “If he can’t just state a fact, how can he do any other job?”
“I mean, he was asked, I think, three times at that point, and he softened his words,” Moynihan responded. “But there is a lot of theatricality in these types of hearings. Jon Ossoff got his quote, and Republicans seem to be doing the same. They like to ask: “What is a woman?” But Ketanji Brown Jackson could not answer. Many people still cannot answer this question. So for me it’s theatricality.”
Moynihan continued her point, and Blow interjected:
IMPACT: Maybe You admit that Joe Biden won the election?
MOYNIHAN: Yes.
UDAR: So you can only do it now, but he couldn’t?
(TRANSITIONS)
MOYNIHAN: I know you’re trying to get a social media clip, Charles, but…
(TRANSITIONS)
MOYNIHAN: I know that you are trying to post a clip on social media with a “trick”…
BLOW: Ma’am…
MOYNIHAN: I already answered your question. And I’m not here to answer you, so…
BLOW: I’m glad you told me that because I really appreciate… I’m so sorry. I really appreciate you lecturing me about what I’m doing here because I’m here because Abby’s show invited me here. And I’ve been in journalism for a very long time. Actually I came to New York Times the year you were born. So, I would choose… I would encourage you to choose your own lane and stay in it. And don’t lecture me, because a child won’t lecture me. Thank you.
During confirmation hearings, Democratic senators questioned Trump’s nominees about the 2020 election. The candidates generally acknowledged that Biden was president but avoided saying Biden won or Trump lost the election, which Trump falsely claimed was stolen.
Watch above via CNN.
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