Rivera comments on Vance’s convention speech

Journalist and NewsNation correspondent-at-large, appearing on CNN NewsNight

a tint of race baiting in that speech he made

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Was JD Vance right to call America “dirtier”?

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Source and context

Original text

CNN NewsNight transcript of panel discussion following Vance’s convention speech (opens in a new tab)CNN NewsNight, approximately 22:35 ET; transcript lines 221–241

About this source

CNN’s transcript includes an excerpt of Vance’s convention speech followed by Geraldo Rivera’s on-air response. Rivera referred to “that speech,” not to a separately identified sentence. The transcript therefore supports an attributed assessment of the speech, not a conclusion that any one phrase has a settled meaning.

Before the quotation

CNN showed an excerpt of Vance’s convention speech, including his sentence about being called racist and the country becoming dirtier, poorer, less safe, and less prosperous. The panel then discussed Vance’s political role.

After the quotation

Rivera also said Vance’s politics seemed MAGA-friendly and praised aspects of his speaking ability. His comment was a personal on-air assessment, not a factual finding or an official position.

Condemned
How this statement is classified

Rivera’s description of the speech as having “a tint of race baiting” is criticism. The transcript does not limit the comment to the word “dirtier” or another single sentence.

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JD Vance

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Shri Thanedar

Being married to an Indian while claiming that immigrants like her make our country ‘dirtier’ is all the proof you need that the Vice President is a shameless hack who believes in nothing and just says whatever he thinks is in the best interest of his political career.
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