Jim Acosta confronts ex-Trump aide Bryan Lanza as he claims Democrats would be ‘cheating’ if they 'switch’ candidates

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Speaking on CNN 'Newsroom' on June 28, CNN host Jim Acosta challenged former Trump aide Bryan Lanza's assertion that Democrats should be committed to President Joe Biden for the 2024 election, arguing that switching candidates now would feel like "cheating."

This discussion arose as they considered the growing panic among Democrats following Biden's performance in the first presidential debate on June 27, which led prominent supporters to call for him to withdraw from the race.

Jim Acosta and Bryan Lanza clash over Joe Biden's debate performance

Jim Acosta reviewed some of the falsehoods spread by former President Donald Trump during the debate. Bryan Lanza then remarked that the primary impression left on the American public was that Biden appeared to lack the cognitive fitness necessary for the presidency.

He speculated that in the coming weeks, discussions might arise about "whether the 25th Amendment should be exercised or if the Democratic Party needs to find a new candidate."

Lanza then expressed his opinion: "I think Joe Biden should be on the ballot this November. They shouldn't be allowed to switch candidates at this point. Voters chose him, and we're allocating resources... It feels like cheating to try and change it now."

Acosta countered that, as a Trump supporter, Lanza "obviously" didn't want Biden to withdraw: "You don’t want that to happen because you want your candidate to win."

When Acosta tried to steer the conversation back to Trump’s "lies," Lanza criticized the media's defense of Biden and focus on Trump: "Sure, CNN and MSNBC can try to focus on the lies..."

During a heated exchange, Acosta interrupted his guest, insisting that Trump falsely claimed the January 6 defendants were "so innocent" despite them being criminals.

Lanza countered by asking about voters' priorities, to which Acosta responded, "They stormed the Capitol. They broke the law. That would’ve never happened had Donald Trump just accepted the results of the 2020 election. And you know that."

Lanza argued that voters are more concerned with issues like immigration and inflation, not January 6. Acosta defended the media's fair coverage, saying, "We just went through all the headlines at all the major newspapers, all the networks, are all saying [about] the president’s performance last night," while Lanza insisted voters are not focused on the past events of January 6.

Viewers opine at Jim Acosta's claims

Acosta and Lanza's clash over claims of democrats ‘cheating’ by switching candidates received a variety of opinions from users.

A viewer expressed, "Cheating? That’s hilarious and reveals an understanding of vulnerability."

In a similar fashion, another observer added, "Democrats can't deny reality anymore."

Furthermore, a viewer pointed out, "The media and some of the F'ing dems acting like they never heard Biden speak before. Yeah, somebody should have gave him some honey for his voice. Sounded gone. People usually complain because Biden raises his voice and yells a lot. At least he actually answered questions and talked policy. Biden did start off slow. He warmed up and finished strong. It was not that bad, damn."

Joining the discussion, a follower shared, "Joe set the conditions for the debate......aren't you Dems glad Trump accepted them?"

A remark underscored, "Gee, it's odd for a media host host to not just nod in glassy-eyed agreement with a convicted felon Trump spox.

We have crossed the Rubicon."

Similarly, another comment echoed, "CNN's own fact checker says Biden lied repeatedly too lol."

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