Conservative CNN contributor Scott Jennings stars in viral clips for the verbal battles he has on NewsNight with Abby Phillip. How does he prepare for TV combat? He explains his CNN battles and discusses his new book on Trump, A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization.
We gave Jennings a Bulldog Award winner for Outstanding Achievement Behind Enemy Lines. MRC president David Bozell joined me to interview the man. Scott says he didn't know Trump well until February, when he began interviewing him for this book. He told us that behind the scenes that Trump is quite funny and asks a lot of questions and listens a lot, which isn't the cartoon you see on TV.
While some people were suggesting Jennings for Press Secretary before the new term began, Scott had warm words for how Trump's communications professionals were doing.
David asked Scott about his process of preparing for what we often call the "Thunderdome" on the Abby Phillip show. When does he know what topics are going to be discussed? When does he know which other guests are going to appear? Two of Scott's favorite liberal opponents are Van Jones and Obama's old campaign manager David Axelrod. One of his web sites for show prep is...NewsBusters.
Plus, what everyone wants to know: How do you keep your composure when the lefties throw the worst arguments, and attack your character, like suggesting you're a racist? Scott says that by now, his opponents are looking for a fight to "own" him on the set. Most of us really enjoy when he just makes that smiling "can you believe this guy?" face while he's being lectured.
Then, since Scott's worked in Republican circles for 25 years, we asked him for his advice for what Republicans need to do to win the midterm elections next year.
I had to ask what he thought of Abby Phillip going on Joy Reid's show and saying she has to learn all about conspiracy theories so she knows what to expect from the conservatives. This is rich, considering the CNN set always has a conspiracy theory for Trump, from Russian collusion to Epstein collusion.
If the liberals are going to mount a conspiracy theory, let’s start with this one. If the Ellisons buy CNN, Scott Jennings can be the Bari Weiss, the Editor In Chief. See Brian Stelter run for the hills!
Enjoy the podcast below, or the audio is here.
