CNN Anchor Challenges Senator Over Trump’s Willingness to Concede, Clarifies ‘Elections Aren’t Cage Fights

In a tense exchange on CNN, anchor Brianna Keilar had to explain to Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) that elections differ significantly from cage fights when questioning him about former President Donald Trump’s potential response to a loss. Keilar pressed Mullin on whether Trump, the Republican nominee, would honor the election results if he were to lose.

The conversation quickly escalated as Mullin, a former Mixed Martial Arts fighter, drew an analogy to his time in the ring. “Anytime I stepped into the ring or on the mat, I never thought about what would happen if I lose,” Mullin said, implying that Trump, like a fighter, should only focus on victory. “I stepped out there believing I was going to win. If I ever did lose—which I didn’t—if I ever lost a fight—”

Keilar, visibly exasperated, interrupted, “We are not talking about cage fighting. We are talking about the presidential election.” The discussion grew more charged as Mullin pivoted to defend Trump, claiming Vice President Kamala Harris had previously likened Trump to a Nazi. Keilar was quick to correct him, repeatedly reminding him that “she does not do that.”

Harris has indeed called Trump a “fascist,” but Keilar clarified that her remarks referenced statements from Trump’s former chief of staff, retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, who alleged Trump had praised Adolf Hitler’s generals during his presidency. Mullin then attempted to shift the conversation, expressing confidence that Oklahoma and the nation would ultimately elect Trump on Nov. 5, as per reports Raw Story.

He also downplayed Trump’s controversial comment about wanting to “hit” Michelle Obama, suggesting Trump was merely engaging with the crowd. “He panders to the crowd a little bit,” Mullin insisted. “He did not say anything bad about her… he’s just talking to the crowd and engaging with them.”

When Keilar returned to her original question, asking if Trump would concede a loss, Mullin resisted, brushing off the question as hypothetical. “We are not talking about hypothetical questions because we are going to win the race,” he replied. Keilar pushed back, noting that it wasn’t hypothetical since Trump had previously lost an election. “He lost before. Do you think he will concede?”

Mullin responded by pointing to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s comments in 2019, where she referred to Trump as an “illegitimate president.” He argued that both Republicans and Democrats have historically challenged election results.

Keilar fact-checked his statement, emphasizing the difference in Clinton’s actions: “Clinton conceded the race. Will Donald Trump concede if he loses?” Mullin sidestepped the question once more, saying, “There’s no point of even talking about second place. We are going to come in first.”

The heated exchange underscored the ongoing debate over Trump’s stance on conceding elections and the contrasting attitudes between parties. While Mullin argued that both sides share an inclination to challenge unfavorable outcomes, Keilar maintained her focus on Trump’s refusal to concede in 2020, pressing the senator on the importance of honoring election results.

For Keilar, the comparison of elections to cage fights was indicative of an approach that values winning above all else. The exchange left viewers questioning whether Trump would, if necessary, concede defeat or continue contesting results—a question that lingers as the election approaches.