A recent CNN panel discussion turned contentious after commentator Scott Jennings asserted that New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, had become the de facto leader of the Democratic Party. Jennings’ claim drew immediate laughter from other panelists, including anchor Anderson Cooper, who questioned the assertion directly. The exchange, captured in a viral video, highlighted the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding its ideological direction.
Jennings, seemingly taken aback by the panel’s reaction, challenged them to identify the party’s current leader, stating, “Who is the leader? Can someone tell me? … You all own this now.” While no single individual formally leads the Democratic Party, figures like President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and congressional leaders such as Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer hold significant influence. The incident underscores the broader struggle for influence within the party between moderate and progressive factions, often amplified in media narratives.