NewsNight Heats Up: Jennings and Mockler Clash Over Iran
A live broadcast of CNN's NewsNight with Abby Phillip on Thursday night featured a heated exchange between panelists Scott Jennings and Adam Mockler during a discussion about U.S. military action against Iran.
The Exchange
The debate centered on public support for the U.S. military campaign against Iran. Jennings, a former staffer for the George W. Bush administration, and Mockler, a commentator, clashed after Jennings was asked to name a political concession gained from the conflict.
"Get your fing hand out of my face."* — Scott Jennings
Jennings stated the operation's purpose was to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. When Mockler indicated this was not a direct answer and gestured while pressing for a response, Jennings reacted sharply.
Mockler had previously criticized Jennings for supporting the Iraq War while serving in the Bush administration. During the exchange, Jennings accused Mockler of having the "attention span of a gnat" and making "condescending remarks." Mockler alleged that Jennings "loves to dish it but can't take it" and claimed Jennings was "a grown man on the verge of tears because he can't answer a question."
Host Abby Phillip intervened, saying, "Guys, excuse me," to regain control of the discussion.
Public Opinion on Military Action
A March CNN poll found that nearly six in 10 Americans did not support military action against Iran.
- A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll released Friday found that 61% of Americans consider the use of military force against Iran a mistake. This level of opposition is comparable to public sentiment during the Iraq War in 2006 and the Vietnam War in the early 1970s.
- Fewer than one in five Americans believe the campaign is going well. According to the same poll, approximately 40% said it has not been successful, and another 40% said it is too early to judge.
Official Statements
During a Senate hearing on Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the operation as a "historic military success" and criticized Democratic opposition, blaming it for undermining public support.
Social Media Response
The encounter gained attention on social media, with some users comparing it to a reality TV show. California Governor Gavin Newsom posted an edited image mocking Jennings.