Social media users blasted CNN anchor Elex Michaelson after he argued that Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff “may not read as Jewish” as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro while discussing their odds of becoming the 2028 Democratic presidential candidate.

During CNN’s “The Story Is” late Tuesday night, Michaelson argued that Ossoff could be a strong contender for the 2028 primary, arguing he is “very good at being on message” and “very disciplined” – but “we’ve never seen him” on a debate stage.

Radio host and YouTuber Eric Messersmith, who was a guest panelist on the show, said Ossoff hasn’t done enough media appearances, but he might be a good candidate to help mend the party’s split stance on Israel.

“He might be the Democrat that can thread the needle because even though he’s Jewish, he’s very critical of the Israeli government, very critical of Benjamin Netanyahu,” Messersmith said. “He has credibility on that issue, so it’s possible that I think he could fill that lane in-between the two extremes of the Democratic party.”

Michaelson added, “As a Jew, some people read a little more Jewish than other people, and Jon Ossoff may not read as Jewish as Josh Shapiro does, for whatever’s that worth,” holding up his hands in a “don’t shoot” gesture.

Pundits on both sides of the aisle were quick to slam Michaelson’s comments.

Meghan McCain, a conservative commentator and daughter of late Sen. John McCain, wrote in a post on X: “What exactly are we doing?”