Scott Jennings sparked a heated debate on “CNN NewsNight” Wednesday by challenging the Democratic narrative on voter ID. The discussion followed the House of Representatives’ passage of the SAVE America Act by a narrow 216-213 margin. Jennings pushed back against claims from panelists Charles Blow and Alencia Johnson that requiring photo ID is a form of “racism” designed to disenfranchise people of color.
“Wait. What voting rights is he taking away from black voters?” Jennings asked, forcing the panel to address the substance of the legislation. When Alencia Johnson compared voter ID to a “poll tax,” Jennings hit back with overwhelming polling data showing that the vast majority of Americans disagree with her. He noted that 76% of Black voters, 82% of Hispanic voters, and 83% of the American people support showing a photo ID to cast a ballot.
Jennings pointedly asked Johnson if she believed Black voters were “too dumb” to obtain a government ID or know what is good for them. “I mean, it sounds pretty condescending,” Jennings remarked as the panelists reacted with visible frustration. He maintained that the Democratic argument relies on the insulting assumption that certain portions of the population cannot navigate basic civic requirements.
CNN host Abby Phillip attempted to intervene, arguing that many Americans lack ready access to passports or birth certificates. Phillip claimed that the bill could also affect “red state voters, women, and poor white voters.” Jennings did not back down, questioning if she also believed those groups were too “stupid” to figure out how to register.
“I think they’re smart enough to figure out how to register to vote, Abby,” Jennings told the host. He argued that the Democratic position is a “deflection” from the fact that most Americans view these security measures as common sense. He concluded that the “purity test” being applied by the left is increasingly out of touch with their own voting base.
The SAVE America Act now moves to the Senate, where it faces a steep climb despite its broad popularity with the public. Republicans argue the bill is essential to ensuring that only American citizens decide American elections. They continue to highlight that voter ID is one of the few issues