CNN’s Dana Bash Criticized for Allowing Jim Jordan to “Lie” and Dodge Questions on Election Fraud Claims

CNN’s Dana Bash faced criticism on Sunday from legal analysts and viewers who accused her of allowing Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) to sidestep tough questions and mislead viewers during an interview on her show. The interview centered on Jordan’s stance regarding allegations of election fraud—a topic that gained traction among Republicans until Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory.

During the segment, Bash questioned Jordan about the Republican Party’s accusations of potential fraud in the 2024 election, pressing him on why the fraud narrative faded after Trump’s win. When she pointed out that Trump had continued to claim the election was “going to be stolen” from him on election night, Jordan evaded directly addressing the question, frequently changing the subject and redirecting the conversation.

Following the interview, legal analyst Marcy Wheeler, known for her work on EmptyWheel, criticized Bash’s approach, arguing that she allowed Jordan to misrepresent the facts. Wheeler took to social media to express her discontent, particularly regarding Jordan’s claim that Trump hadn’t targeted his political adversaries. “Hey [Bash]? Why did you let Jim Jordan lie on your show and say Trump didn’t go after his adversaries?” Wheeler asked. “I can’t think of a more obscene lie.”

She went on to highlight that Trump’s Department of Justice pursued two separate investigations into Hillary Clinton, each lasting four years, and even attempted to frame Joe Biden with criminal allegations. Wheeler’s comments sparked a wave of responses from viewers frustrated with what they saw as Bash’s reluctance to push back on Jordan’s evasive responses. The criticism also extended beyond Wheeler, with many echoing a desire for a stronger fact-checking approach during live interviews.

Among those voicing their frustration was That Gay Guy Candle Co., which called out Bash for allowing Jordan to monopolize the conversation. The company remarked, “Why does Dana Bash allow Jim Jordan to come on her show and talk over her, giving his stump speech, to the point that she’s too exhausted, or too short on time, to fact-check his statements?” They punctuated their comment with, “Cut his f—— mic,” underscoring a sentiment shared by many viewers who felt that Jordan was given too much freedom to steer the narrative unchecked.

Alicia Purcell, a former university professor, also criticized Bash’s handling of the interview, expressing her frustration with Jordan’s ability to “steamroll” through Republican talking points without being pressed for specific answers. “I am sick of Dana Bash on CNN SOTU, letting Republicans like Jim Jordan not directly answer questions and loudly & incessantly steamroll Republican talking points,” Purcell stated.

She urged Bash to take a more assertive approach, calling for her to “interrupt him loudly and press Jordan for an actual answer! Then call him out if he doesn’t!!” The pushback against Bash highlights the challenges faced by journalists in real-time interviews with high-profile political figures who may use deflection tactics to avoid answering questions directly.

For many viewers, the expectation is for journalists to counter such tactics decisively, ensuring accountability and clarity. As the interview gained attention online, it reignited conversations about journalistic standards, the role of media in fact-checking, and the importance of pushing back on misinformation during live broadcasts.