A heated CNN exchange went viral after Republican strategist Scott Jennings dismantled a liberal panelist’s claim that Republicans are “cheating” by using legal redistricting ahead of the 2026 elections.
During the segment, the liberal commentator argued that Republicans are only redistricting because they “can’t win,” accusing the GOP of undermining democracy. Jennings quickly pushed back, forcing the panelist to confront the obvious double standard Democrats routinely ignore.
Jennings pointed out that redistricting is a legal process governed by state legislatures and courts, not a partisan invention. When he asked whether Democratic-controlled states like Illinois and California were also “cheating” when they redraw maps, the liberal guest struggled to give a consistent answer.
At one point, the panelist suggested Republican redistricting is cheating because “Trump’s people are on the courts,” prompting Jennings to laugh and press further. He repeatedly asked whether Democratic redistricting efforts were illegal or unethical. The answer shifted with each question.
Eventually, the liberal admitted Democrats were merely “responding” while still insisting Republicans were cheating — a contradiction Jennings immediately called out.
“You talk in circles — are you dizzy?” Jennings said, summing up the exchange as the panelist tried to redefine cheating in real time.
The moment highlighted what conservatives have long argued: when Democrats use power, it’s called strategy; when Republicans follow the same legal process, it’s called cheating. Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans are unapologetically using lawful tools to compete — and Democrats are furious that the rules apply to everyone.
As 2026 approaches, the debate made one thing clear: Democrats aren’t upset about fairness — they’re upset they no longer control the narrative.
