Nationally syndicated radio host Erick Erickson and CNN host Abby Phillip are trading blows on social media over his criticism of CNN NewsNight.
The criticism from Erickson — who said he had been invited to appear on the program several times but scheduling conflicts made it impossible — was broached on Wednesday morning as he called the show an “embarrassment” and that “CNN should be embarrassed to air it.”
“It is clearly not designed to take a ‘sharp’ or ‘smart’ approach to any news story,” Erickson wrote. “Instead, it is designed to generate viral clips to boost ratings, even if from people hate watching.”
He then pointed to a discussion last night about a topic centered on comments made by President-elect Donald Trump and whether or not he had said he would use the military against American citizens. He believes it showcases the nature of the program in its mission to accrue viral clips. Erick Erickson also added that he has informed his assistant to “politely decline all further invites.”
“I’m sorry, but the show is a sign of CNN’s drift into the fever swamps of MSNBC,” Erickson wrote. “I want no part of it and the show’s existence makes me question the direction of the whole network as it struggles to find its footing. NewsNight is discrediting to the whole network. I have made the editorial decision on my own radio show to stop airing clips of the program because I do not want to give it any attention. I think the show is a cry for help from CNN and, if they think this show is a good idea, they need no help. They need to be rebuilt. Paging John Malone.”
In response, Abby Phillip argued that there were many things to “address in this mostly incorrect tweet.” She shared her belief that Trump did, in fact, claim he’d utilize military force against American citizens as far back as 2020.
“Take a deep breath. Calm down,” she said to Erickson. “The thing about Scott Jennings is that he’s willing to engage in conversation and debate. I’m sorry that we can’t say the same for you. Have a great day.”
Erickson retorted by saying that Abby Phillip is guilty of correcting conservatives but does not do the same when more liberal commenters appear on CNN NewsNight.
“It’s not a matter of my willingness or not to engage in debate,” he continued. “It’s that Scott Jennings is on the payroll and enjoys it and, as you and CNN are scrambling to make David Zazlav happy, you’ve decided to bring elements of MSNBC into a network that used to pride itself on objectivity so you can have a panel of progressives where you have, repeatedly, used the credentials of the left-wing panelists to try to correct conservatives.
“I know you have to defend your show and job, and it is easy to defend by saying, ‘Sorry, you just can’t debate like Scott,’ but your show is not good. It is not smart or sharp. It is preening and often deeply ignorant. And at least you won’t have to waste your producer’s time by continuing to try to get me on your show, which you’ve tried to do repeatedly.”
Abby Phillip questioned Erickson on why, if he were so comfortable in his stances, he wouldn’t appear on the show.
“Sorry you’re unwilling to come on,” said Phillip. “Still not sure why, if you’re so confident in your views. But nonetheless.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
