A contentious exchange unfolded on CNN’s “NewsNight” on October 27, 2023, as former Democratic lawmaker Bakari Sellers and Katie Miller, wife of White House adviser Stephen Miller, engaged in a fiery debate regarding the influence of white nationalist Nick Fuentes within the Republican Party. The confrontation arose following Sellers’ critique of MAGA figures who have not distanced themselves from Fuentes, leading to a lengthy back-and-forth that highlighted deep divisions over the issue.
Sellers initiated the discussion by stating that Fuentes, despite his controversial views, still holds sway within the GOP. “The fact that we’re even mentioning Nick Fuentes, he’s 4’11, he’s misogynistic, and he’s antisemitic, but yet he is somebody who has the pulse of the Republican base right now,” he asserted. This remark prompted an immediate response from Miller, who vehemently disagreed. “Nick does not have the pulse of the Republican base. It’s what Democrats want to say to divide the Republican base,” she retorted.
The dynamic intensified as Miller defended Vice President JD Vance for his refusal to criticize Tucker Carlson for inviting Fuentes onto his podcast. Miller then pivoted to address host Abby Philip, accusing her of hypocrisy. “You had Jennifer Welch on your show very often, and you never pushed back,” she claimed, referencing the liberal podcaster who has previously criticized her husband. Miller added, “She called my husband a white nationalist – that is no different than Nick Fuentes going on Tucker Carlson’s show.”
Philip quickly countered, challenging Miller’s assertions. “Wait, hold on. How is it similar? It’s not remotely similar at all. Nick Fuentes sits around and says that he likes Hitler. How is that similar?” Miller, visibly frustrated, responded, “Excuse me!” She argued that if Fuentes is entitled to express his views, then Philip should not object to his appearances on various platforms. “It’s not different, Abby, it’s not,” she insisted.
Philip maintained that it was essential for the Republican Party to address the implications of allowing individuals like Fuentes to hold a prominent voice. “Do they care whether or not someone who has a loud voice in their party is bringing on somebody who is encouraging, encouraging neo-Nazism?” she questioned.
This exchange was not the first for Miller, who previously stirred controversy during a CNN panel in October, where she made a racially charged statement regarding former Biden press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, suggesting her relevance was solely due to her skin color and sexuality.
The argument on “NewsNight” underscores ongoing tensions within American politics, particularly concerning the acceptance of extremist views within the mainstream political discourse. As figures like Fuentes continue to provoke debate, the implications for party unity and public perception remain significant.
