[COMMENTARY] CNBC Host Cramer Disrespects Nancy Pelosi on Live TV
“I mean, what deal can we have, Crazy Nancy?”
This is the way Jim Cramer addressed the two-time Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, during an interview on his CNBC show, “Mad Money” on Tuesday. He quickly tried to cover it up by blaming Donald Trump (who was not a participant in the segment) by saying, “That was the President.”
“I have too much reverence for the office,” Cramer blustered. “I would never say that.”
“You just did,” Pelosi replied archly, clearing her throat. Ever dignified, the Speaker allowed the interview to continue after that inappropriate moment.
There’s a distinct difference between the way liberals are treated by more conservative interviewers. And while CNBC is not a conservative news outlet, Cramer has been coy in the past about his own political leanings, saying Trump was “good for the economy” in 2017. But his open disrespect for the leader of the Democratic Party didn’t go unnoticed by Twitter, who is always quick to let someone know when they’ve stepped in it.
Jim Cramer should be drug tested before every show. pic.twitter.com/VgppF2OMgF
— Hoodlum 🇺🇸 (@NotHoodlum) September 15, 2020
Howard Dean was just one of many Twitter users calling for Cramer to leave CNBC immediately as #CancelCramer and #FireCramer began trending (along with the unfortunate “Crazy Nancy”).
This is the end of Jim Cramer as a serious finance commentator. He might as well hang it up and go to work for Fox. https://t.co/tJTkqG6A89
— Howard Dean (@GovHowardDean) September 15, 2020
Cramer tried to get ahead of the controversy, but failed spectacularly.
you know what i love? the president goes unchecked, calls her Crazy forever. I call it as as horrible and i am called out for doing so here. What a travesty…
— Jim Cramer (@jimcramer) September 15, 2020
Except I didn't hear you call out the maniac. Nice try though.
— Paulette Feeney (@PauletteParis1) September 15, 2020
You should be checking him, not repeating that misogynistic bullshit.
This reminds me of every bully saying "It was just a joke!" after getting blowback from some obvious bad behavior.
— Jennifer Hayden (@Scout_Finch) September 15, 2020
Whether @JimCramer meant to insult Nancy Pelosi or simply refer to Trump's disparaging attacks, the harmful effects are the same.
We're calling on journalists to stop circulating sexist labels that betray women's skills, insights, & lived experiences as leaders. #WeHaveHerBack https://t.co/GLMSH6ffV4
— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) September 15, 2020
Cramer wasn’t the only one trying it with a liberal guest. Earlier on Tuesday, conservative Meghan McCain sparked dual controversies on “The View” by downplaying climate change and her interview with former Democratic Presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg. Before his husband, Chasten, joined the discussion, McCain asked Buttigieg for his thoughts on Joe Rogan potentially moderating a four-hour Presidential debate, an idea that started as a joke on Conservative Twitter but quickly gained legitimacy as Trump agreed to it. Buttigieg wouldn’t rise to the debate bait, however.
Pete Buttigieg gave John McCain’s daughter the side-eye response over her juvenile question on the View. pic.twitter.com/Og6hIWjbk5
— gregarious (@mistergeezy) September 15, 2020
Looking ahead to an eventual post-Trump news cycle, the conservative media is going to have to find a better way to approach their liberal guests if the coverage is ever going to evolve.