CNN anchor Kasie Hunt didn’t hold back on Friday during a live segment about Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), pushing conservative commentator Scott Jennings to call up the 84-year-old lawmaker.
Hunt and a panel of analysts were talking about the growing speculation over the longtime Republican senator’s health as rumors were swirling around his unknown condition. She turned to Jennings, who claimed McConnell called him Tuesday and they spoke about a variety of topics.
CNN has since distanced itself from Jennings’ claims and referred to him as a “commentator” and “not a full-time employee or journalist for the network.” The network clarified this stance Friday in a statement, adding that Jennings’ apparent conversation with McConnell was a personal chat, amid skepticism over the pundit’s comments.
CNN political commentator Xochitl Hinojosa commented that, as other members of Congress have gone missing in recent months, raising further questions about why McConnell had not contacted Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who had requested an update on the GOP lawmaker’s health, or any Democratic leaders.
“He hasn’t called any Democrats,” Hinojosa said. “He’s talked to Scott Jennings for 20 minutes, but he can’t find five minutes to call Chuck Schumer or Andy Beshear?”
Hunt, for the second time this week, suggested McConnell chat with CNN.
“Well, Scott Jennings, can you get him on the phone?” Hunt asked.
“For the record, I’m perfectly healthy. And I wouldn’t call either Chuck Schumer or Andy Beshear either,” Jennings quipped.
“You’re also not a senator,” Hinojosa responded sharply.
“I don’t know why they would be at the top of his call list,” Jennings said, adding that he suspected McConnell would make a public statement by Monday updating people on his health.
“So Scott, you can’t get him on the phone right now?” Hunt pressed. “I mean, he could call in, in the next block. It’s available if you want to.”
Jennings joked with Hunt in response.
“I’ll check in on it for you,” Jennings said. “You know, I’m just I’m just a contributor here, but if you would like me to take on an additional role of booking producer. Absolutely. It’s going to cost you.”