On Monday’s AC360, CNN conservative commentator and GOP strategist Scott Jennings sharply criticized the inflammatory remarks made at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, calling the rhetoric “stupid” and counterproductive to Trump’s campaign goals.
Jennings, a former assistant to President George W. Bush, refused to defend the divisive language used by speakers at the rally, stating bluntly, “I don’t like it, I don’t like it one bit,” and adding, “I’m not going to sit here and pretend like it’s good or helpful.”
Jennings expressed frustration with what he saw as damaging rhetoric that detracts from the campaign’s intended focus. “Some of the things that were said by some of these people who I’ve never heard of before—maybe it works on a podcast, maybe it works on a radio show—but when you’re trying to win an election here and you’re trying to put on a face for your party and your presidential campaign, it doesn’t work at all,” he said.
The strategist went on to argue that the rally’s message clashed with Trump’s campaign strategy, highlighting recent TV ads released by Trump’s team that centered on core issues like the economy and immigration. “It’s stupid, it’s a distraction,” Jennings told host Anderson Cooper, emphasizing that the rally’s tone seemed at odds with the campaign’s broader themes.
“I’m sure it’s a distraction from what the Trump campaign wanted to do,” he said, pointing out that the ads were focused on policy rather than inflammatory commentary. While distancing himself from the remarks, Jennings also commented on the reaction to the rally, suggesting that outrage should be consistent across political lines.
“If you were offended by this—people from the entertainment industry saying vile and offensive things in the context of politics—Kamala Harris certainly has entertainment industry supporters that have said vile and offensive things. Not all of them were at her rallies,” Jennings noted, calling for a balanced response to provocative statements in the political sphere.
He concluded by urging both sides of the political divide to approach these situations without selective outrage, remarking, “So, if we’re going to professionally faint tonight, I would say let’s maybe do it on both sides.”
Jennings’ remarks reflect growing concern among some conservatives over the divisive rhetoric emanating from certain figures within Trump’s campaign events, highlighting a tension between campaign messaging and the more provocative elements within Trump’s support base as the 2024 election approaches.