If you’ve ever watched CNN – probably after losing a bet – and felt like conservatives were outnumbered, you’re not alone.
But there’s one man who defies the odds and regularly gets the better of his ideological and political foes – Scott Jennings.
And for that reason, Citizen Outreach is proud to honor Scott with this year’s “Courage Under Fire Award.”
A seasoned Republican strategist and political commentator, Scott has spent years walking into the lion’s den of liberal-dominated panels.
He’s been fighting for years, taking on stacked panels, challenging liberal narratives, and standing firm in his convictions.
He’s faced the onslaught of liberal pundits and held his ground, earning respect – even from those who disagree with him.
But in the aftermath of the 2024 election, he became a conservative media sensation – practically overnight.
A Career Built on Conviction
Born in small-town Kentucky, Jennings’ rise is the kind of American success story conservatives love.
A McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville, he cut his teeth in journalism before moving into politics.
By the early 2000s, he was running political operations for George W. Bush, Mitch McConnell, and other Republican heavyweights.
He even served in the Bush White House under Karl Rove, learning the inside game of political strategy.
After years behind the scenes, Jennings made the leap into media, joining CNN in 2017.
For conservatives, CNN has often felt like enemy territory – a place where Republicans are either demonized or dismissed.
But Jennings never played the role of the token Republican who caves under pressure. He stood firm, armed with facts, sharp arguments, and a Southern charm that cut through the noise.
Courage Under Fire
If there’s one thing Jennings is known for, it’s his ability to keep his cool in the heat of battle.
Unlike some conservatives who avoid the mainstream media, he steps right into the fight.
He’s gone head-to-head with CNN’s top liberal voices, calmly dismantling their talking points while outnumbered four-to-one.
Take, for instance, his now-famous election night commentary on November 5-6, 2024.
As Donald Trump secured his landslide victory, Jennings delivered a moment that went viral.
With Anderson Cooper turning to him for insight, Jennings didn’t hold back:
Revenge of the average, everyday working class American. My reaction to Trump’s crushing victory on @cnn pic.twitter.com/JkhixYVGLS
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) November 6, 2024
That clip exploded online, racking up millions of views.
Conservatives cheered. Social media hailed him as the only voice on CNN making sense of the election.
Some even suggested he should be Trump’s next press secretary.
Why Conservatives Love Jennings
Jennings isn’t just another Republican on TV. He’s a fighter.
He doesn’t sugarcoat things, and he calls out the media’s bias – sometimes even CNN’s own coverage. And that’s why he’s won over so many conservatives.
After years of being a measured, moderate Republican voice, Jennings found himself at the center of a conservative resurgence.
His defense of Trump’s working-class voters resonated. His willingness to call out Democratic failures – on inflation, crime, and the economy – made him a standout.
And his ability to stay composed while being ganged up on made him a symbol of conservative resilience.
One reason for his appeal? He talks in plain language.
When asked about Biden’s leadership, he quipped, “Colonel Sanders is still on the bucket, but he ain’t making the chicken anymore.”
That kind of straight talk cuts through the political spin.
Critics Push Back
Of course, not everyone is a fan.
Liberal commentators have accused him of shifting further right to align with Trump’s victory. Some critics claim he’s gone from a “reasonable Republican” to a full-fledged MAGA defender.
But Jennings shrugs off the criticism. He sees himself as a voice for Middle America – the people who feel ignored by the media elites.
And while CNN’s ratings have struggled post-election, Jennings’ segments continue to go viral.
That’s because he represents something rare: a conservative voice who doesn’t back down, even in hostile territory.
So what’s next for Scott?
According to reports last week, he’s is in the final stages of finalizing a “lucrative” new deal with CNN.
While exact figures of the pay raise remain undisclosed, it’s described as “substantial” and “hefty,” reflecting CNN’s recognition of his value amid a shifting media landscape.
And in recognition of his value to the conservative movement by throwing himself in the left’s lion’s den night after night after night, Citizen Outreach is proud to honor him with this year’s “Courage Under Fire” award.
