On March 17, 2025, CNN contributors Cari Champion and Scott Jennings engaged in a heated debate during a segment of CNN NewsNight, moderated by anchor Abby Phillip. The discussion centered on recent polling data indicating a shift in the ideological composition of users on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The Exchange:
Scott Jennings referenced a survey suggesting that X had become “the most ideologically balanced user platform of any platform.” This assertion was met with immediate skepticism by Cari Champion, who interjected, “Oh, come on. Scott, stop, stop. It’s too early. I just sat down. You cannot say that. Who’s the source?” Jennings responded by noting, “We’ve reported it on this network.” Champion retorted, “It’s not accurate, and you know it.”
Supporting Data:
The survey Jennings referred to was highlighted in a CNN segment from November 2024, where senior data reporter Harry Enten discussed findings from the Pew Research Center. The data indicated that X’s user base had become more politically balanced since Elon Musk’s acquisition in 2022. Specifically, in 2024, 48% of X users identified as Democrats and 47% as Republicans, a significant shift from 2022 when 65% identified as Democrats and 31% as Republicans.
Champion’s Perspective:
Champion expressed concerns about the platform’s content moderation policies under Musk’s leadership. She argued that the lack of regulation had led to an increase in harmful content, stating, “No one’s regulating the n-word, no one’s regulating the criticism, no one is regulating how people are treated.” Champion emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and a moral compass in journalism, contrasting it with the perceived unregulated nature of X.
Jennings’ Counterpoint:
Jennings challenged the notion of increased regulation, questioning, “How much government regulation of the First Amendment are you for?” He suggested that concerns about platforms becoming propaganda tools were not new and that there was already a significant presence of ideologically driven media outlets.
Context and Implications:
This exchange highlights the broader debate over content moderation, free speech, and ideological balance on social media platforms. Elon Musk’s acquisition of X has been a focal point in discussions about the direction of online discourse. While some applaud the platform’s move towards ideological balance, others, like Champion, raise alarms about the potential spread of harmful content in the absence of stringent moderation.
The debate also underscores the challenges faced by media outlets in navigating the evolving landscape of social media, where platforms play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and discourse.
