Things got a little weird on a CNN panel Monday morning when The Atlantic reporter David Frum commented on Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz's sexual orientation.

CNN host Casey Hunt began the conversation by mentioning comments Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance made to CNN's Dana Bash on Sunday about Walz greeting his wife at a campaign event with a company. handshake Instead of hugs and kisses, Vance told Bash during the interview that Waltz's behavior was not normal.

Bash, who was on the panel on Monday, told Hunt that he didn't understand Vance's arguments and “couldn't believe” the topic was being discussed. Bash explained that Waltz first called Vance a “nutcase” because of similar behavior.

“Democrats have long been bringing a knife to a gunfight when it comes to Donald Trump's rhetoric, but now they're pushing further into that territory,” Bash said.

Frum agreed, saying Vance was spending too much time online.

“A lot of what he says would be incomprehensible unless you've participated in or have some knowledge of this strange underworld that he comes from,” Frum said.

“I'll say this: That's not OK, that's not true. What he's trying to say is that Tim Waltz is some kind of sexual pervert,” Frum said, leading to an audible “What?” from the panel.

Matt Gorman, a former senior adviser to Republican Sen. Tim Scott's 2024 presidential campaign, forcefully interrupted Frum as he tried to continue expressing his views. (Related: JD Vance Covers Tim Waltz for Iraq Deployment, Slams CNN for Ignoring His Own Guest)

“What are you talking about? That's ridiculous, David,” Gorman said in the crosstalk. “No, that's ridiculous!”

Frum pointed to Donald Trump Jr.'s X account, revealing that the former president's son video A photo of Waltz shaking hands with his wife.

It's totally normal to greet your wife with a firm handshake and a friendly hug/back pat. Tim Waltz isn't weird at all, guys🤣🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/PHAKNEUF3H

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 11, 2024

“It's completely normal to greet your wife with a firm handshake, a buddy hug and a pat on the back. There's nothing weird about Tim Walz,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote on Sunday in response to the Aug. 6 footage.

Frum said “the ugliest parts of America” ​​have come together online to criticize Walz's handshake.

“That's why people think he's a weirdo. He's very intelligent and very capable, so why does he have this anger and contempt for other people?” Frum asked.

Hunt appeared surprised that Frum had described Vance as “brilliant” and questioned whether he had meant to “praise” Trump's running mate. The CNN host thanked Gorman for pushing back against Frum before changing the topic.