‘Take Everyone Off the Screen’: Don Lemon Stops Panel During Heated Birther Argument

Don Lemon got into a feisty exchange with Corey Lewandowski last night that led to Lemon abruptly stopping the panel for a minute so he could get a few words in.

Lewandowski, Donald Trump‘s former campaign manager, touted journalist James Asher‘s recollection that Hillary Clinton ally Sidney Blumenthal once promoted birtherism to him. Lemon questioned whether that really did happen, and Lewandowski incredulously asked if he’s impugning Asher’s motives.

Lemon attempted to read Blumenthal’s statement denying such a conversation took place, but Lewandowski kept hammering away at the subject. Finally Lemon just said, “Take everyone off the screen. Stop everyone. Don’t let anyone say anything.”

The panel was taken off-screen so Lemon could read the Blumenthal statement, and he subsequently brought everyone back.

Lemon and Van Jones pointed out to Lewandowski that even if Blumenthal did push it back then, Trump took that ball and ran with it for over five years. Further arguments ensued.

Minutes later, Lemon re-read Blumenthal’s statement and explained the abrupt cut by saying it’s his job to step in.

UPDATE –– 2:24 pm ET: Mediaite has heard from a source at CNN that Lemon was legally required to read the Blumenthal statement or risk a lawsuit. And that’s why Lemon insisted.

Watch above, via CNN.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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