CNN senior political commentator Scott Jennings clashed with former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois on Monday over the history of political parties challenging presidential election results.

The exchange unfolded during a discussion about the 2024 presidential election, which was certified without objections for the first time in the 21st century.

Jennings commended both Democrats and Republicans for certifying the 2024 electoral votes without incident.

However, Kinzinger argued that both parties have historically accepted presidential election outcomes until former President Donald Trump claimed fraud in the 2020 election.

“Just a quick point, both parties have always accepted the presidential election until one, four years ago,” Kinzinger stated.

Jennings quickly rebutted the claim. “False, they have not,” he said, prompting a back-and-forth between the two commentators.

Kinzinger defended his position, arguing that no Democratic House speaker or party leader had publicly denied election results or actively sought to challenge certifications. “But saying the party, I’ve never seen the speaker or the leader of the Democrats of the House of Representatives object to a presidential election. There is a massive difference and don’t try to put these on the same thing,” Kinzinger said. “I agree they should have done it, but to say it’s the same thing.”

Jennings countered by highlighting instances where Democratic lawmakers formally objected to electoral certifications. “They did it, and you admit they objected,” Jennings responded.

On CNN: Adam Kinzinger Gets Schooled On Democrats Challenging Election Results

CNN senior political commentator Scott Jennings clashed with former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois on Monday over the history of political parties challenging presidential election… pic.twitter.com/497hpkxi8s

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 7, 2025

Jennings pointed out that Democrats objected to presidential election results in 2000, 2004, and 2016 when Republican candidates won.

• In 2000, following the contentious election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, several Democratic members of Congress, including former Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings, raised objections during the certification process. These objections were ultimately silenced by Gore, who presided over the certification as outgoing vice president.
• In 2004, after Bush’s reelection, Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio formally objected to Ohio’s electoral votes, despite Bush winning the state by approximately 118,000 votes. Their motion garnered the support of 32 Democratic House members but failed in the Senate.
• In 2016, following Donald Trump’s victory, seven Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Maxine Waters of California, and Jamie Raskin of Maryland, objected to the certification of Trump’s electoral votes.

Jennings also noted that Republican lawmakers, led by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and ten other senators, objected to the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.

This objection came after widespread claims of election irregularities, which were ultimately dismissed by courts and election officials.

Jennings emphasized that the practice of objecting to certifications has been part of the political process, even as it remains controversial.

This exchange highlights the ongoing debate over the legitimacy and impact of electoral challenges in American democracy.

With the 2024 election certified without objections, it marks a significant departure from recent precedent.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sean Parnell. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.