During a Wednesday broadcast, Salem Radio Network host Scott Jennings suggested that Black voters might perceive Democrats as “too stupid” to obtain voter IDs, which sparked a reaction from “CNN Newsnight” panelists Charles Blow and Alencia Johnson.
On the same day, the House of Representatives approved the Save America Act with a narrow vote of 216-213. This legislation would mandate proof of citizenship to register and require a photo ID to vote. After Johnson labeled the bill as part of President Donald Trump’s “racism,” Jennings challenged her to explain how it would disenfranchise voters. “Wait, what kind of voting rights is he taking away from black voters?” he asked, prompting a discussion among Blow and Johnson.
“The SAVE Act?” Blow queried, and Johnson responded affirmatively. “Yes, that’s precisely the focus here. It would perpetuate the disenfranchisement of many people of color,” she asserted.
Jennings continued to press Johnson on the bill’s implications for racial minorities. Johnson ultimately stated that requiring voter IDs functions similarly to a poll tax, which is against federal regulations outlined in the 24th Amendment ratified in 1964.
“So—are you not worried about making these claims? You haven’t demonstrated how it negatively impacts anyone. Do you really think that 76 percent of Black voters, 80 percent of Hispanic voters, and 83 percent of Americans should show ID to vote?” Jennings asked. “Are you suggesting Black voters are too ignorant to know what’s best for them? That seems pretty condescending.”
After some back and forth, “CNN NewsNight” host Abby Phillippe interjected. “To clarify, conservation law extends beyond identity documents. It also involves proof of citizenship. So it’s not just about that,” she explained, but Jennings challenged that notion, indicating the conversation was getting sidetracked.
CNN data reporter Harry Enten pointed out earlier this month that there’s considerable support for voter ID laws, even among Black voters and Democrats, with at least 70% of both groups backing the idea. Despite this, Johnson continued to invoke the notion of race in her arguments.
“Let’s not get distracted by the conversation about Donald Trump’s racism,” she claimed, but Jennings brushed off her comments, insisting, “Oh, I believe they’re smart enough to know how to register to vote, Abby.”
Phillippe countered, “Most Americans don’t possess passports. A lot don’t have ready access to birth certificates. Many women who change their names upon marriage must provide documentation to prove their new names for voter registration.”
Undeterred, Jennings pressed on, questioning whether Phillip implied that certain demographics were not capable of grasping how to vote. “I’ve been hearing similar arguments from Democratic voices all week,” he stated. Philippe responded, “Scott, can you directly address what I’m saying instead of diverting to irrelevant matters? It’s not just a question of ID but also of accessibility.”
“So, are you asserting that married women, Black voters, and rural residents are too foolish to comprehend how to register to vote?” Jennings retorted, adding, “Are you implying they can’t figure out voting?”
