Maher took 'Real Time' host Bill Maher took aim at CNN's coverage of the Democratic National Convention on Friday, criticizing the network for "gushing" over Vice President Kamala Harris' speech. Maher also questioned CNN's ability to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum, saying that the network's coverage often appears to be biased towards the left.
*Media gushes over Kamala Harris' DNC speech*
Bill Maher on Friday took aim at CNN's coverage of the Democratic National Convention on Friday, criticizing the network for "gushing" over Vice President Kamala Harris' speech and questioning its ability to reach both sides of the political spectrum.
Bill Maher Blasts CNN for 'Gushing' DNC Coverage, 'Lonely Scott'
Maher, whose HBO show airs Saturday nights on CNN, began his critique by discussing CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins' recent appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," during which she was laughed at by Colbert's liberal audience after he referred to CNN as "objective."
"I'm a big rooter for CNN, but that tells you a lot, doesn't it?" Maher asked. "How do you guys think you're doing in that arena of like ‘This is a terribly divided country. We’re not only politicized, a lot of people just hate the other side.' And CNN, in my view, should be the place where both sides can watch. How do you think you're doing with that?"
Bill Maher Blasts CNN for 'Gushing' DNC Coverage, 'Lonely Scott'
Collins responded by saying that CNN is "the place where both sides can watch," citing the network's coverage of the convention and its willingness to feature lawmakers from both parties. However, Maher pushed back, saying that CNN's coverage often appears to be biased towards the left.
"I'm talking about the people on CNN," Maher said. "And I know what the conservative side of America thinks. And I don't blame them."
Bill Maher Blasts CNN for 'Gushing' DNC Coverage, 'Lonely Scott'
Maher then turned his attention to CNN's coverage of Harris' convention speech, noting that the network spent 15 minutes praising the speech after it concluded.
"It wasn't until 11:23 til the one conservative guy. What's his name?" Maher asked.
Bill Maher Blasts CNN for 'Gushing' DNC Coverage, 'Lonely Scott'
"Scott Jennings," Collins answered.
"Lonely Scott I call him," Maher quipped. "From 8:09 to 8:23 (PT), they were just gushing about how great a speech it was. And I think she did fine. I didn't think it was as good as they were making it up to be. But if I'm a conservative in America and I'm watching CNN just for the straight middle of the road, that's what I hear for 15 minutes. It's great. And then Lonely Scott."
Collins pushed back against Maher's characterization, saying that she believes CNN is "fair" in its coverage.
"I feel like I can speak with authority on this," Collins said. "I'm from Alabama. I'm from a very red state. I have a very conservative family. A lot of them are Trump voters. They watch my show every night, and I think they know that they can trust me, that, you know, we call bulls--- on every side, not just whatever leaning our audience may be and I think that's something that people actually want more of… And everyone who was speaking last night, it's not like they were all Democrats. I mean, Dana Bash, Jake Tapper, Abby Phillip, all my amazing colleagues. They come across giving analysis."
Maher conceded that CNN's hosts "come across that way," but said that the network's coverage often appears to be biased towards the left.
"They come across that way," Maher said. "In a moment like that, it was like five to one. It always looks like five to one."
Maher also criticized CNN's coverage of former President Trump's town hall last year, pointing out how the live audience was "loving him" and then the network cut to "five people sh---ing on him."
CNN did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
