Former Republican advisor Stuart Stevens and CNN commentator Scott Jennings clashed on Monday over whether Republicans should vote for Vice President Harris, with Stevens arguing against supporting someone who "tried to overthrow the government" and Jennings emphasizing the importance of policy choices.
On Monday, a heated debate erupted between former Republican advisor Stuart Stevens and CNN commentator Scott Jennings on the topic of whether Republicans should consider voting for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The clash occurred during a discussion on CNN about the impact of the January 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol on Republican voters. Jennings argued that the events of that day should not lead Republicans to abandon their core values or support radical liberals.
Republican Rift: Stuart Stevens vs. Scott Jennings on Voting for Kamala Harris
"Because that happened, does not mean I ... or any other Republican has to give up on every single value that we've ever had, whether it has to do with taxes or the court or any other policy," Jennings said.
"You're asking Republicans to turn over the government to absolute radical liberals over one day," he added. "I'm not prepared to do it because I believe policy choices matter to the future of the country."
Republican Rift: Stuart Stevens vs. Scott Jennings on Voting for Kamala Harris
Stevens interjected, "It's not one day."
Jennings responded, "Listen!"
Republican Rift: Stuart Stevens vs. Scott Jennings on Voting for Kamala Harris
"No, you listen, Scott," Stevens shot back.
Stevens argued that the events of January 6 were part of a larger pattern of behavior that called into question the patriotism of those who supported former President Donald Trump.
"You prefer someone who didn't try to overthrow the government of the United States," Stevens said of anti-Trump voters.
Jennings also criticized the notion that Republicans who support Harris are unpatriotic.
"Let me be clear to my Republican friends at home watching," said former Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle during a speech at the Democratic National Convention. "If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024 you're not a Democrat, you're a patriot."
"I have to tell you how profoundly poorly that's going to hit a lot of Republican ears," Jennings said.
He argued that many Republican voters are simply not enthusiastic about Trump but are unwilling to support someone they view as too liberal.
The debate highlights the deep divisions within the Republican Party, with some members seeking to distance themselves from Trump and his supporters while others remain loyal to the former president.
The conflict also reflects the broader polarization of American politics, with both parties increasingly resorting to rhetoric that demonizes their opponents.
As the midterm elections approach, both parties are ramping up their efforts to appeal to voters in battleground states. Real Clear Politics polling average shows Harris with a slim 1.5 point lead over Trump nationally, a significant shift from the three-point lead Trump held over Biden the day before the president dropped out of the race.
The outcome of the midterms will have a significant impact on the balance of power in Washington and could shape the course of American politics for years to come.
