If you follow politics closely, you know the drill: scrolling through countless articles, videos, and social media posts, looking for something that really hits. Most of it is standard fare—important, sure, but not exactly the stuff that gets the blood pumping. But every now and then, a story comes along that makes you want to jump out of your seat, shout “Merica!” at the top of your lungs, and maybe even give a slow clap to whoever just delivered the perfect mic drop.
That’s exactly what happened this week with an exchange between CNN reporter Elle Reeve and a MAGA supporter named Joe Harner at a boat parade in Panama City Beach, Florida. Reeve, who was covering the event for Anderson Cooper’s show, decided to ask Harner, a retired military man and proud boat owner, why he cared so much about the economy under Biden-Harris when, by her logic, he seemed to be doing just fine.
What followed was a masterclass in how to handle a snotty journalist.
Reeve’s line of questioning started innocently enough, asking Harner what his biggest concern was. Unsurprisingly, he said the economy. Interest rates, inflation—everything’s too expensive. But then Reeve went for the “gotcha” moment, asking why a guy who owns boats and jet skis is so concerned about the economy, given his apparent financial comfort.
Shirtless dude holding a beer takes this CNN reporter apart after she suggests he shouldn’t care about inflation.
King stuff. pic.twitter.com/ENgLOpYS5Y
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) September 19, 2024
Harner didn’t hesitate to respond: “Listen, nobody gave me sh*t. I earned everything that I’ve got. I’m retired military, retired power plant, and I am successful and retired and with boats, jet skis because I did it right. And everybody has that chance. Whether they choose or not, that’s up to them.”
It’s one of those moments where you almost want to stand up and salute the guy. Harner nailed it. He wasn’t bragging—he was just stating the obvious: he worked hard, made smart choices, and enjoys the fruits of his labor. And he’s still concerned about inflation, interest rates, and how far his money can go, just like millions of Americans, regardless of how well off they might be.
Reeve tried to pivot, suggesting that people who are more “comfortable” financially shouldn’t be as concerned about the economy as those who are struggling. But Harner wasn’t having it. “I want my money to go further… But that covers everybody in the economy, not just me, not just the poor, not just the rich. It covers everybody.”
The entire premise of her question was absurd. Just because someone’s doing okay financially doesn’t mean they shouldn’t care about rising costs and economic uncertainty. In fact, many people are doing well precisely because they’re careful about how they manage their money. Harner’s point wasn’t just about his own situation—it was about how these economic issues affect everyone, regardless of income level.
The irony, of course, is that we’re constantly told by the media that those who are well off should show concern for those struggling. Yet when someone like Harner does exactly that, he gets questioned for caring too much. The whole exchange was a perfect example of media condescension, and Harner handled it like a pro.