A CNN panel on NewsNight with Abby Phillip grew tense when pundits discussed why Kamala Harris lost the presidential election to Donald Trump.
GOP strategist Shermichael Singleton suggested that family values on issues like gender and sports played a role: “I think there are a lot of families out there who don’t believe that boys should play girls’ sports.”
However, he was interrupted, with another panelist interjecting, “They’re not boys! I am not going to listen to transphobia at this table!” Host Abby Phillip intervened, acknowledging the issue’s sensitivity and urging respectful discussion.
Singleton emphasized that “regular people with children look at these things and say… this is a bit too far… I think Democrats have gone way too far to the left on social issues.”
He argued that concerns over such policies have helped Republicans effectively reach voters, as evidenced by Trump’s campaign ads pledging to restrict bathroom access and sports participation based on biological sex.
The discussion touched on recent controversies surrounding women’s sports, with Singleton highlighting the impact of Republicans’ messaging.
Yet, his counterpart dismissed it as transphobia, contending, “We’re talking about trans girls being allowed to play with people who are in their gender… this is a war on science.”
The panel’s discussion reflected deep cultural divisions, with one side voicing concerns about fairness and tradition, while the other defended inclusivity as a matter of civil rights.
