'I don't think it's that': CNN pundits clash over description of scandal-plagued candidate
Caroline Sunshine heatedly disagreed with a description of a victorious but scandalous candidate (CNN/Screenshot)
June 09, 2026
CNN pundits clashed and yelled over each other when talking about a scandal-plagued candidate's primary victory.
Political journalist LZ Granderson explained on CNN why he believes Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner still has support despite allegations about infidelity and aggression against women. Platner had just won the Democratic primary, setting him up to square off against Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
"He looks like a dude," Granderson said. "Let's just say what it is. He's got the scruff. He's got the edge."
Granderson argued that the messenger matters as much as the message itself, but Caroline Sunshine, a former Trump White House staffer, shook her head as Granderson tried to make his point.
"No, no," Sunshine yelled. "I don't think it's that. I don't think that's what it is."
Granderson insisted, however, "When I look at Graham Platner, the first thing I think of, he looks like a dude, and he looks like someone who looks very different than many of the men who lead the Democratic Party."