CNN anchor Elex Michaelson apologized on air Thursday after drawing criticism for comments he made earlier in the week about how “Jewish” two Democratic politicians might appear to voters in a hypothetical presidential primary matchup. About ten minutes into his Thursday broadcast, Michaelson, 39, addressed the controversy directly, telling viewers: “Earlier this week, I made a comment in a different panel discussion about Jewish identity politics. The remark that I made was offensive, and I apologize for that.” He then moved on to other headlines. A similar apology appeared on his X account hours earlier, where he wrote: “I apologize. I made a comment that was offensive.”
“Going forward, I’ll do better,” Michaelson added in the post, which was made in response to a clip of the exchange shared by The Forward’s Jacob Kornbluh. The footage circulated widely Wednesday night and quickly drew attention online. In the clip, Michaelson says, “As a Jew, some people read a little more Jewish than other people,” while discussing Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as possible progressive contenders in the 2028 Democratic primary. “And Jon Ossoff may not read as Jewish as Josh Shapiro does, for whatever that’s worth,” he added.
Rising concerns over party direction
Kornbluh’s post has since been viewed more than 1 million times, prompting a wave of backlash and broader discussion about Jewish identity, Israel and Democratic politics. Some commenters argued that, however casually phrased, Michaelson’s remark touched on a sensitive issue currently facing the party: rising anti-Jewish sentiment tied to debates over Israel. Republican commentator Scott Jennings raised a similar concern on Anderson Cooper 360 last week, warning: “The Democratic Socialist takeover of the Democrat Party should frighten not just Jewish Americans but all Americans everywhere because this is the direction the Democrats are headed nationally.”
Ossoff’s stance sparks lively debate
During Tuesday’s panel, political YouTuber Eric Messersmith pointed out that Ossoff “is Jewish” while also being “critical of the Israeli government,” suggesting that this positioning could make him a candidate capable of navigating competing pressures within the party. “He might be the Democrat that can thread the needle,” Messersmith said. LA Republican Roxanne Beckford Hoge also referenced California State Senator Scott Wiener, who was confronted by far-left protesters in his state last week over his support for Israel, urging Michaelson and Messersmith to consider “how that’s working out for him.”
Michaelson made the “read a little more Jewish” comment shortly after that exchange. The Daily Mail has contacted the offices of Senator Ossoff and Governor Shapiro for comment. Michaelson joined CNN late last year after previously working at Los Angeles station Fox 11.
