The Conversation (0)
Breanna Robinson
Jan 06, 2023
CNN host calls out Republican for calling her 'young lady'
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Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) called CNN host Erin Burnett a "young lady" on live television while answering a question about the debacle over the election for a House Speaker - and Burnett didn't hesitate to call him out.
On Thursday (5 January), Representative Troy Nehls made an appearance on the network for the first time.
Burnett asked him if the negotiators in the Republican party had made any progress on coming to a decision on the vote.
House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Ca.) lost an 11th vote in his quest to become speaker before the House retreated for a third day, reaching a deadlock.
Nehls supports McCarthy's bid.
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"We just mentioned Patrick McHenry, the key negotiator. He is trying to lock in support for McCarthy for Speaker, and he just said the House is probably not going to adjourn anytime soon," Burnett told Nehls in the clip uploaded to Twitter.
She then asked him if he would be ready to "go all night" if need be, to which he responded he could be there "until July."
"Is that a metaphor for how you feel about this? Is your support for McCarthy – there's nothing that can break or shake it at this point? Burnett asked.
Nehls responded: "I don't know if you are aware, young lady, but I am also a member of the House Freedom Caucus. So I am one of those America-first patriots."
He also said he told his friends, fellow "colleagues in the Freedom Caucus" that he didn't feel this was the "battle" they should be engaging in.
Instead, Nehls said he believed the real battle would begin once they draft legislation in Congress under McCarthy.
After this response, Burnett said she assumed the "young lady" comment was complimentary.
Nehls said it was meant as a compliment before throwing in an insult to the network. He claimed it was the "Clinton News Network."
And right after Nehls made that dig, Burnett wasted no time telling him about his attitude.
"That, I will say, was a bit, in my opinion, rude," she said.
Still, Burnett thanked him for chatting with her, noting that she would "treat" him with "the respect" he deserves.
\u201cGood for Erin Burnett for calling out Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) for calling her "young lady." \n\nHe then claims he meant it as a "compliment" because it's his first time on the "Clinton News Network."\n\n"That, I will say, was a bit, in my opinion, rude," replies Burnett. /1\u201d— Sarah Rumpf (@Sarah Rumpf) 1672966288
People took to Twitter to share their opinions on the discussion, with many believing Nehls' sentiments were condescending.
Check out those reactions below.
\u201cOnly your mama could invoke the \u201cyoung lady\u201d or \u201clittle miss,\u201d usually prefaced by \u201clisten here,\u201d back when you were oh, 12 or 13 years old. Kudos to @ErinBurnett for calling him out while still keeping the focus not on her but the news. She was terrific all day.\u201d— Jan Crawford (@Jan Crawford) 1672983597
\u201c@rumpfshaker He\u2019s 54 and she\u2019s in her 40\u2019s. She\u2019s a respected journalist, he was a sheriff and is new to Congress. He\u2019s one of those who has a problem with women who are intelligent. He\u2019s disrespectful. Condescending. Horrible. What a joke these guys are.\u201d— Sarah Rumpf (@Sarah Rumpf) 1672966288
\u201cSuch a weird interaction and unnecessary comment. Just own up to your poor choice of words. No need to double down when you make a \u201cmistake\u201d It ain\u2019t hard to be kind. And this man is a leader \ud83d\ude14 #sexist #mansplain #diversitygoals\u201d— Glen Guyton \ud83c\udfa4\u270d\ud83c\udffd \ud83d\udca1 (@Glen Guyton \ud83c\udfa4\u270d\ud83c\udffd \ud83d\udca1) 1673011635
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