PoliticsCNN Panel Accuses Scott Jennings of Double Standard in Heated Jon Ossoff Debate: 'You Have No Idea How Dishonest You Are'
Scott Jennings labeled Jon Ossoff's recent comments 'appalling.'
Aug. 20 2026, Published 1:00 p.m. ET
Scott Jennings was skewered by his CNN co-hosts after slamming Sen. Jon Ossoff over a comment he made about Donald Trump's aide Natalie Harp, with the panel accusing Jennings of overlooking similar behavior from Trump.
What Did Jon Ossoff Say?
Jon Ossoff mentioned Donald Trump's executive assistant Natalie Harp in a recent speech.
The conversation centered around a comment made by Ossoff, 39, during a reelection campaign speech on Sunday, August 16, where he mentioned Harp, 35, Trump's executive assistant.
"He golfs and trades stocks," Ossoff said of Trump, 80. "See, he doesn't want to do the job; he wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie to their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the Emir of Qatar."
The Democratic senator is seeking reelection to another six-year term in the Senate this November.
Jon Ossoff's Comments Sparked Heated Debate
Critics suggested that if Jon Ossoff got backlash for his comments, Donald Trump should receive similar treatment.
During the Wednesday, August 19, broadcast of CNN's NewsNight, Dan Abrams brought up the topic, saying those who had criticism for Ossoff's recent comment about Trump's executive assistant should also feel the same way when the president said demeaning things toward women.
"If you're gonna take that position, you better also be criticizing the way Donald Trump talks about women's appearances and looks on a regular basis," he said. "So, I'm happy for someone to say, 'Look, I think it was inappropriate. I think it was sexist.' But you better also be saying that about Donald Trump, if I'm even gonna take you seriously."
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Scott Jennings Called Jon Ossoff's Comments 'Appalling'
Scott Jennings claimed Jon Ossoff's comments were especially damaging because Donald Trump's assistant is not considered a 'public figure.'
Jennings, 48, who is known to defend the POTUS, said it was "appalling" that Ossoff chose to mention Harp during his speech.
"I expect Ossoff to criticize Donald Trump. I expect every Democrat running for president to criticize Trump," Jennings said during the broadcast. "Harp is not a public figure. She's not a household name. Nobody knows who she is. And when he injected her into this, he knew what he was doing, which is punching down on someone who's effectively defenseless."
Abrams, 60, quickly responded by saying, "Doesn't Trump do that all the time?"
A montage of clips were played on screen showing Trump making controversial comments to women, including when he called a female reporter "piggy."
'No Idea How Dishonest You Are'
CNN panelists claimed Scott Jennings 'avoided' answering their questions.
Host Abby Phillip then asked, "'Quiet, piggy.' I mean, Scott, Dan's question was pretty straightforward. If you're gonna be outraged over 'traveling on a plane with Natalie,' are you going to be outrage over all those things?"
Jennings stood firm on his stance that Harp was a "not a public figure," therefore she had "no ability defend herself."
After several panelists accused him of "avoiding the question," Jennings said, "By the way you have no idea how loud this is."
"You have no idea how dishonest you are to come on and say this stuff," panelist Keith Boykin quickly shot back.
