A black CNN analyst was accused of “anti-blackness” on air Thursday, after simply saying he “understands” Donald Trump’s views on immigration.
Pro-Kamala Harris guest Michael Blake’s claim about contributor Shermichael Singleton caused the segment to be abruptly canceled, as the ensuing discussion became increasingly heated.
It all started when host John Berman asked both men about a possible path to citizenship for immigrants, causing the broadcast to go off the rails.
Singleton, a Republican, is a frequent guest on the network’s shows. He is known for tackling difficult topics without an agenda, and his seemingly benign words quickly earned Blake’s ire.
Blake is the former vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee and previously served as an aide in the Obama administration.
Shermichael Singleton was accused of being “anti-blackness” on air Thursday, after simply saying that he “understands” Donald Trump’s views on immigration.
Pro-Kamala Harris guest Michael Blake’s (left) claim about the contributor caused the segment to be abruptly canceled, as the ensuing discussion became increasingly heated.
‘How do you think they should approach this or what do you think the parameters might be?’ the former New York assemblyman began, prompting Singleton to cite a 1988 article by Harris’s 86-year-old economist father, Donald Harris.
In it, the Stanford University professor emeritus described a link between high rates of illegal immigration and increased competition among lower-skilled workers.
Singleton, in turn, called the article “fascinating,” before explaining his understanding of Trump’s use of the same argument to support his views on immigration.
Before sparking an immediate reaction, fellow guest Singleton explained: “I think most Americans would say, well, that’s an approach that seems logical.
“I can understand it as something systematic,” he continued. ‘It makes a lot of sense.
“You’re not hurting people or destroying people or families,”
This paved the way for a furious Blake, who then told Blake that he only had 15 seconds left.
It all started when host John Berman asked both men about a possible path to citizenship for immigrants, causing the broadcast to go off the rails.
Singleton, a Republican, is a frequent guest on the network’s shows. He is known for tackling difficult topics without an agenda, and his benign words quickly earned Blake’s ire.
He unleashed Blake when he cited an argument seen in an article written by economist Donald Harris, Kamala’s as “fascinating,” before explaining how he understands Trump’s use of the same argument to support his views on immigration.
“The anti-Blackness that just occurred in Sir Michael’s comments is very concerning,” the Bronx native began, after attempting to interrupt Singleton earlier.
“The reference you just used is that of the vice president’s father when he talks about a policy against illegal immigrants,” he continued.
‘Let’s be very clear. There is one entity that has been driving this and it is Donald Trump. And that’s why Democrats have to counter that at every step.”
Seemingly unconvinced, Singleton interjected.
‘Well, Michael, John… I mean, most Americans are worried about immigration.
“I didn’t use an anti-black policy,” he added, before clarifying: “Michael, you’re not talking to Donald Trump.”
This earned him criticism from Blake, who maintained that Singleton was only using Harris’s father as an example because he was black.
A visibly upset Singleton responded: “I can list a litany of examples, Michael. Let’s not talk nonsense this morning: immigration is a problem.”
Blake, a former Obama aide who also served in New York’s 79th Assembly District as a New York State Assemblyman, considers “fighting for his community and all communities like it” his primary mission, his website states.
Attempting to quell the battle that was brewing when it began, Berman proceeded to intervene, stopping the broadcast with a seemingly impromptu goodbye.
‘We have to end this discussion here. We will have it. We’ll have it for the next few months,” Berman said, jokingly adding, “And for Michael, it looks like it will be the next few years.”
The segment ended there, serving as one of several examples of rising tensions and progressive panelists playing the blame game in the wake of Harris’ loss.
Just the day before, CNN contributor Julie Roginsky criticized viewers and her own colleagues during the segment, chiding them for pointing fingers instead of reflecting.
The segment also included Singleton, who seemed to agree with what Roginsky was saying.
the argument was triggered after another on-air contributor asked the 51-year-old if she thought Biden should have dropped out of the race sooner, as if that had been to blame for Trump’s big victory.
Blake, seen here in 2018 at an event in New York while serving as vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee, maintained that Singleton was only using Harris’ father as an example because he was black, drawing the ire of his fellow panelist.
Roginsky went on to explain why he believes the Democratic Party has become increasingly out of touch, before reminding viewers of Trump’s abrupt setback against Hillary Clinton.
Meanwhile, Blake writes on his website that he considers “fighting for his community and all communities like it” his primary mission in life, and touts his involvement on the team that passed the Affordable Care Act as an Obama aide.
In 2014, Blake was elected to represent New York’s 79th Assembly District as a New York State Assemblyman, before serving as vice chair of the nominating convention responsible for presenting Harris as a candidate.