Debate Erupts Over CDC Comments on Gender

On “CNN Newsnight,” Republican strategist Scott Jennings engaged in a heated exchange with host Abby Phillip and other panelists. The discussion centered around remarks made by a CDC official, suggesting that men could become pregnant, which Jennings argued undermined the scientist’s credibility.

The conflict intensified after Jennings dismissed Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the director of the National Center for Vaccination and Respiratory Diseases, as “not reliable.” Phillip pushed back, indicating that Jennings’ focus on the scientist’s credibility distracted from real concerns about the politicization of science.

“I think what you’re missing is this isn’t just about credibility—it’s about the integrity of the science,” Phillip said, to which Jennings countered that accepting some politicization was inconsistent.

Dr. Chris T. Parnell added to the debate, suggesting Jennings was spreading misinformation, potentially inciting violence. He referenced recent attacks on immigration enforcement agents, emphasizing that misinformation has severe consequences. Jennings, however, highlighted ongoing violence against law enforcement as a broader issue that shouldn’t be ignored.

The exchange continued with Jennings asserting that the distinction of which scientists can engage in political discourse is problematic. “Some scientists can politicize, and some can’t—where’s the line?” he questioned.

In the midst of the arguments, the discussion frequently veered off-script, reflecting the messy nature of political discourse and the complexities surrounding scientific communication. The conversation ended without a clear resolution, showcasing the tensions between scientific integrity and political narratives.