CNN And after its chief executive, Chris Licht, held what one critic called a “predictably disastrous” town hall from the audience, journalists at other outlets and even some network employees, Trump lied repeatedly. him.
During the 70 Minutes event, Trump recycled false claims of a “bad election” in 2020, deflected many of Collins’ questions and at one point called the moderator “a terrible person,” while the Republican audience often applauded. A New York civil jury this week ruled that writer E. Trump used the opportunity to insult Jean Carroll. Sexually abused and defamed by Trump.
Cooper echoed the disapproval of some of his colleagues as he opened his Thursday-night show, saying Trump’s attacks and the audience’s laughter and cheers were “disturbing.”
“Many of you are upset that someone who tried to destroy our democracy sat on a stage in front of a crowd of Republican voters and was called to answer questions and continue to predict lie after lie,” Cooper said. “Good job Caitlan Collins tried to fact-check him, he’s a shameless liar and can’t be completely fact-checked.”
But the broadcaster ultimately defended CNN’s decision to host the forum, saying that even if viewers don’t agree with Trump’s views, they should continue to follow Trump’s views if he is re-elected in 2024.
“You’ve been so confused to see and hear since last night that the man is the front-runner for the Republican nomination for president,” Cooper said. “The audience that upset you, this is a model for half the country. They’re your family members, your neighbors, they’re voting. And a lot of people said they’re going to vote for him.
Audiences on social media Not much Inspired by Cooper’s speech. “Cooper is one of Uber’s richest men and should not have to live with the consequences they create,” attorney Eric Reuben tweeted.
Even some fans of Trump’s activism called for Cooper’s apology to the town hall. “That’s almost as bad as Joe Scarborough’s meltdown,” Colin Rugg, co-owner of the right-wing website TrendingPoliticsNews.com, tweeted about the MSNBC host. Strong condemnation Trump’s behavior on air.
Although the town hall drew better-than-usual ratings for CNN’s 8 p.m. newscast, it only drew 3.1 million viewers, which was lower than last year’s town hall with President Biden and Trump’s town halls on Fox News.
