Video News Clips: In Their Own Words

‘Don’t Be A Wise Ass’: Geraldo Rivera Clashes With Liberal Commentator Over Viral Panel Moment

[Screenshot/YouTube: Piers Morgan Uncensored]

Former Fox News host Geraldo Rivera and MeidasTouch Network commentator Adam Mockler debated Monday about the latter’s actions during a viral cable news debate segment.

Rivera criticized Mockler’s behavior during his heated viral clash with CNN panelists over the Iran war during an April 30 panel on “CNN NewsNight.” During an appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” Rivera confronted Mockler by imploring him to stick to substance during debates, with Mockler defending his debate style given how he was treated by fellow CNN panelist Scott Jennings.

“[I’m] not a dick to try to force a critical question and try to force the conversation toward where the American people want it,” Mockler said. “Geraldo, you were there when Scott [Jennings] made fun of my bedtime five minutes earlier. Again, this is somebody not bound by any rules whatsoever on this show. He’s able to lie over and over. Why should I be bound by some decorum my opponents aren’t bound by? Do you see what I’m saying? It’s not the ’80’s anymore. It’s not even 2010 anymore. We are in a new era where we’re playing in reciprocal manners. So I’m not playing the games where I have to be nice and regarding life of experience, really quickly. You have a whole life of experience and you’re on the same panels as me.  We’re on the same shows … So life experience, where has it gotten you? I don’t know.”

“It’s gotten me a career that’s lasted 56 years so far and counting … Adam, listen, don’t be a wise ass, okay?” Rivera replied. “I said to you in the commercial break that immediately followed your confrontation with Scott that I thought that you made some good points. The problem is that you can be very obnoxious in your presentation. Now sometimes, being obnoxious can lead to a whole career. But I advise you very strongly, because you’re a smart kid and you obviously prepared for the debate, to stick to that. Stick to the substance, because I think that you do have a future.”

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Mockler claimed there was a double standard because Rivera did not criticize Jennings for making a comment about Mocker’s “bedtime.” Jennings made the bedtime remark after Mockler challenged Jennings to name the concessions the U.S. extracted from Iran.

“He started with the condescending jabs,” Mockler said.

Mockler accused Jennings of defending endless wars, including the Iran war. Jennings argued that the war has only lasted eight weeks and stated that Mockler was “hyper” due to it being after his “bedtime.”

“Get your hand out of my fucking face!” Jennings snapped.

Rivera, who was present during the confrontation, stated on NewsNation that Mockler was being a “dick” during his confrontation with Jennings.