CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings made headlines Tuesday night when he openly questioned the rationale behind keeping Vice President Kamala Harris on the 2024 Democratic ticket.

Jennings went viral for questioning Democrats’ decision to blame former President Donald Trump for current issues during their convention speeches, given that Harris is currently a top official in charge at the White House, presumably with the power to affect the change the party says it wants, as Fox News reports.

During the convention, Jennings highlighted that the Democrats have controlled the White House for 12 of the last 16 years.

He found it perplexing that, despite this significant period of governance, the party continues to focus its blame on Trump. According to Jennings, this approach raises questions about the effectiveness and accountability of the current administration, particularly with Harris being a key figure.

Questioning The Focus on Trump Amid Harris’s Role

Jennings argued that Harris, as vice president, should already be addressing the very problems she promises to solve if elected in 2024. He pointed out that Democrats’ control over the presidency for most of the past two decades should translate to progress on the issues they are currently highlighting. Yet, the blame is still being placed on Trump, who has been out of office for nearly four years.

The pundit's remarks were made in the context of the convention's broader narrative. Other commentators were praising speeches by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, both of whom contrasted Trump’s presidency with the potential of a Harris-led administration. Jennings, however, took a different approach, questioning the logic behind these comparisons.

Viral Response and Media Coverage

Jennings’ comments quickly resonated on social media, with one post featuring his critique garnering over 2 million views by Wednesday. The viral nature of his remarks underscores the contentiousness of Harris's role in the upcoming election and the ongoing debate over the Democrats' strategy.

In the weeks leading up to the convention, Harris had been the subject of overwhelmingly positive media coverage. Since President Joe Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election in 2024, Harris has seen a significant boost in her public image. A recent poll by The Associated Press indicated that 48% of Americans now view her favorably, up from 39% earlier in the year.

Contrasts in Media Coverage of Harris, Trump

The contrast between Harris’s positive media portrayal and the overwhelmingly negative coverage of Trump has also been stark. According to the Media Research Center, 84% of the media coverage surrounding Harris has been positive.

This is a significant departure from the media’s treatment of Trump, who has faced 89% negative coverage on NBC News, ABC News, and CBS News evening broadcasts since July 2021.

Jennings’ critique of Harris was thus not only a direct challenge to the Democratic Party's strategy but also a commentary on the broader media landscape. He suggested that the narrative surrounding Harris does not fully account for her role in the current administration, which has been in power for nearly four years.

The Obamas’ Speeches and Jennings’ Contrasting View

The former president and first lady’s speeches at the convention were largely praised for their rhetorical effectiveness. They drew a sharp contrast between Trump’s presidency and what they envisioned as a continuation of Democratic leadership under Harris. However, Jennings pointed out that this comparison fails to address the current administration’s responsibility for ongoing issues.

“The gaffe that I still see in all of these speeches, as good as they were, is that she's in the White House right now. Democrats have controlled the White House for 12 of the last 16 years,” Jennings stated, underscoring the inconsistency in the Democrats' messaging.

Highlighting “Glaring Hole” in Democrats’ Campaign

Jennings continued his critique by questioning the logic of promising to solve problems that Harris, as Vice President, should have already been addressing. “So to me, that's still the glaring hole of this campaign that hasn't yet been solved at this convention,” he remarked. His comments reflect a broader concern among some conservatives that the Democrats are not adequately addressing the realities of their time in power.

“For all the talk about divisions and problems in the country and people are hurting, Democrats have mostly controlled this country.... and somehow it's still all [former President] Trump's fault and somehow she hasn't been at the center of it,” Jennings continued.

Conclusion: A Debate on Accountability and Leadership

Jennings’ remarks at the Democratic National Convention sparked a divisive debate about accountability and leadership within the Democratic Party.

As the 2024 election approaches, his critique serves as a reminder of the complex political dynamics at play. While Harris enjoys a surge in popularity and positive media coverage, questions about her role in addressing the nation's challenges persist.

The contrasting views presented by Jennings and the Obamas highlight the ongoing struggle within the party to reconcile past governance with future promises.