Republican Strategist Refuses to Be Bullied by CNN Host, Stands Firm on Answers

Clear Facts

• Republican strategist Shermichael Singleton defended his right to answer questions his way during a heated exchange on CNN’s “NewsNight” with host Abby Phillip.
• Phillip and former host Tiffany Cross pressed Singleton about President Trump’s executive orders reviewing security clearances of certain critics.
• Singleton emphasized focusing on economic issues and resisted attempts by Phillip and Cross to dictate his responses.

In a spirited exchange on CNN’s “NewsNight,” Republican strategist Shermichael Singleton stood his ground against host Abby Phillip’s attempts to steer his responses regarding President Trump’s executive orders. The orders in question involve reviewing security clearances held by some of Trump’s critics, including former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Chris Krebs.

Singleton, while addressing the topic, emphasized a focus on economic priorities. “I mean, look, politically, you know, my advice to the president on this one would be continue to focus on strengthening the economy,” he stated, highlighting the importance of reducing costs and boosting domestic chip manufacturing.

However, Phillip interrupted Singleton, attempting to redirect the conversation. “Okay, Shermichael, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on,” she interjected.

Despite the interruption, Singleton maintained his stance. “That’s what I focus on,” he continued, undeterred by the host’s attempts to shift the narrative.

The discussion grew tense as Phillip, along with former host Tiffany Cross, pressed Singleton further on the executive orders. Phillip acknowledged the economic focus but pushed for his opinion on the political targeting aspect. “But what do you think about the fact that he’s targeting his political enemies using executive orders?” she asked.

Singleton remained resolute, stating, “I just wouldn’t focus on this,” reinforcing his earlier points.

Cross joined the fray, pressing Singleton for a specific answer. “Well, you haven’t answered. Well, you have not answered —” she insisted.

Singleton responded firmly, “Wait a minute. I did answer, just didn’t answer the way you wanted me to answer. You don’t get to dictate my comments to my response on this show.”

As the exchange continued, Phillip attempted to mediate, acknowledging Singleton’s friendship with the show. “Hang on a second. Hang on a second. Tiffany? Tiffany, one second. I mean, listen, Shermichael, you’re a friend of the show. You’re my friend. Please answer the question,” she urged.

Singleton, however, remained steadfast in his approach. “I answered the question the way I want —” he asserted, cutting off further attempts to control his narrative.

In a final retort, Singleton declared, “No one’s going to dictate the way I answer questions on the show. You may not like the way I answer the question, but I gave an answer and I don’t like that.” His firm stance underscored his commitment to maintaining his own voice amid the pressure.

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