A black CNN analyst was accused of ‘anti-blackness’ on the air Thursday – after merely saying he ‘understands’ Donald Trump’s views on immigration.
The assertion from pro-Kamala Harris guest Michael Blake about contributor Shermichael Singleton saw the segment abruptly canceled – as their ensuing argument grew increasingly heated.
It started when host John Berman asked both men about a prospective path for citizenship for migrants – sending the broadcast off the rails.
Singleton, a Republican, is a frequent guest on the network’s shows. He’s been known to tackle tough topics without an agenda – and his seemingly benign words quickly earned Blake’s wrath.
Blake is the former vice chair of the DNC, and before that served as an aide to the Obama Administration.
Shermichael Singleton was accused of ‘anti-blackness’ on the air Thursday – after merely saying he ‘understands’ Donald Trump’s views on immigration
The assertion from pro-Kamala Harris guest Michael Blake (at left) about contributor saw the segment abruptly canceled – as their ensuing argument grew increasingly heated
‘How do you think they should go about that or what do you think the parameters might be?’ the former NY assembly member began – leading Singleton to cite a 1988 paper from Harris’s economist father, 86-year-old Donald Harris.
In it, the emeritus professor at Stanford University described a link between high rates of illegal immigration and increased competition between lower-skilled workers.
Singleton, in turn, categorized the paper as ‘fascinating’ – before explaining how he understands Trump’s use of the same argument to support his views on immigration.
Before eliciting an immediate reaction out his fellow guest, who is also black, Singleton elaborated: ‘I think most Americans would say, well, that’s an approach that seems logical.
‘I can understand it as systematic,’ he continued. ‘It makes a lot of sense.
‘You’re not harming people or ripping people across or families apart,’
This paved the way for an irate Blake, who was then by Blake that he had only 15 seconds left.
It started when host John Berman asked both men about a prospective path for citizenship for migrants – sending the broadcast off the rails
Singleton, a Republican, is a frequent guest on the network’s shows. He’s been known to tackle tough topics without an agenda – and his benign words quickly earned Blake’s wrath
He set Blake off when he cited an argument seen in a paper penned 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 happened in Sir Michael’s comments is very concerning,’ the Bronx native started by saying, after already trying to interrupt Singleton earlier on.
‘The reference he just utilized is the vice president’s father when talking about a policy on illegal immigrants,’ he pressed on.
‘Let’s be very clear. There is one entity that has been pushing this, and this is Donald Trump. And that is why Democrats have to counter that 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 vitriol from Blake, who maintained Singleton was only using Harris’s father as an example due to him being black.
A visibly annoyed Singleton shot back: ‘I can list a litany of examples, Michael – let’s not call B.S. this morning – immigration is a problem.’
A former Obama aide who also served on New York’s 79th Assembly District as New York State Assemblyman, Blake considers ‘fighting for his community and all communities like it’ his main mission, his website states
Attempting to quash the brewing battle as it began, Berman proceeded to jump in – stopping the broadcast with a seemingly impromptu signoff.
‘We got to end this discussion here. We will have it. We will have it over the next several months,’ said Berman – who jokingly added: ‘And it very much seems the next several years for Michael.’
The segment ended there, and served as just one of several examples of escalating tensions and progressive panelists playing the blame-game in the wake of Harris’s loss.
Just the day before, CNN contributor Julie Roginsky criticized onlookers and and her own colleagues during the segment – chiding them for finger-pointing instead of actually reflecting.
The segment included Singleton as well, who appeared to agree with what Roginsky was saying.
The argument was triggered after another on-air contributor asked the 51-year-old whether she believed Biden should have dropped out of the race sooner – as if that had been to blame for Trump’s big win.
Blake – seen here in 2018 at an event in New York while serving as the Vice Chair of the DNC, maintained Singleton was only using Harris’s father as an example due to him being black – evoking anger from his fellow panelist
Roginsky went on to explain why she believes the Democratic Party has become increasingly out-of-touch, before seemingly reminding onlookers of Trump’s unceremonious upset of Hillary Clinton.
Blake, meanwhile, writes on his website how he considers ‘fighting for his community and all communities like it’ his main mission in life,’ and touts his involvement in the team that passed the Affordable Care Act as an Obama aide.
In 2014, Blake he was elected to represent New York’s 79th Assembly District as New York State Assemblyman, before going on to serve as the vice chair of the nominating convention responsible for putting forth Harris as a candidate.