A discussion on CNN about the Democratic Party’s potential 2028 presidential field has drawn criticism after one panelist suggested that perceptions of a candidate’s Jewish identity could influence the party’s primary voters.
The conversation took place during The Story Is with Elex Michaelson, where panelists were discussing the Democratic Party’s direction following a series of primary victories by candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
Host Elex Michaelson noted concerns that some critics have raised about elements within the party’s progressive wing.
Very disturbing that “how Jewish someone reads” is being discussed as a liability for the Democrat party in the year 2026. pic.twitter.com/tGIREyMpHM
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) July 2, 2026
“Some of the fringes of the DSA, not everybody in the DSA, are certainly pretty close to anti-Semitism, if not anti-Semitism,” Michaelson said, adding that he found the trend “a little scary.”
The discussion then turned to Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is seeking reelection and is frequently mentioned as a possible Democratic presidential contender should he win another term.
Political commentator Eric Messersmith argued that a convincing victory in Georgia would strengthen Ossoff’s national prospects.
“If he wins by a fairly comfortable margin in a race that Republicans really targeted aggressively in Georgia, that gives you a pretty strong case heading into 2028,” Messersmith said.
He also noted that prediction markets had recently listed Ossoff among the leading contenders for the Democratic nomination, although those odds have fluctuated.
Replace ‘Jew’ with ‘Black person’ https://t.co/xYFxTas4I5
— Lizzy Savetsky (@LizzySavetsky) July 2, 2026
Republican panelist Roxanne Beckford Hoge challenged Ossoff’s résumé, arguing that he lacks the executive experience of other potential candidates and criticizing his political messaging.
The most controversial moment came when Messersmith suggested Ossoff might occupy a unique position within the Democratic coalition because of his views on Israel.
“Because he is…Jewish,” Messersmith said. “He might be the Democrat that can thread the needle. Because even though he’s Jewish, he’s very critical of the Israeli government, very critical of Benjamin Netanyahu.”
That this is even an approved discussion on a legacy media channel is mind blowing! Could you BE any more racist CNN?
— Danny & Debbie (@Hinson84647) July 2, 2026
Michaelson then expanded on that point with a remark that immediately generated backlash.
“As a Jew, some people read a little more Jewish than other people,” Michaelson said. “And Jon Ossoff may not read as Jewish as Josh Shapiro does, for whatever that’s worth.”
The comment quickly spread online, with critics arguing that discussing how “Jewish” a candidate appears crossed a line and reduced political viability to ethnic perception rather than qualifications or policy.
Within days, Michaelson publicly apologized.
👀 CNN anchor Elex Michaelson at end of politics panel discussion re: Ossoff 2028:
“As a Jew, some people read a little more Jewish than other people. And Jon Ossoff may not read as Jewish as Josh Shapiro does, for whatever that’s worth.” pic.twitter.com/uUmn3jo35a
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) July 2, 2026
“Earlier this week, I made a comment in a different panel discussion about Jewish identity politics,” he said during a subsequent broadcast. “The remark that I made was offensive, and I apologize for that.”
The exchange also revived discussion about Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, another Democrat frequently mentioned as a potential presidential contender. Shapiro was widely considered a finalist to become Kamala Harris’ running mate during the 2024 campaign, and some political observers have debated whether his outspoken support for Israel affected his standing within parts of the Democratic coalition. There is no public evidence confirming that his religion or views determined the vice-presidential selection.
