A video clip posted on X shows Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong responding to a question from CNN host Kaitlan Collins about whether she still believes Thanksgiving should be canceled. Hong references her experience as a chef who once prepared a Thanksgiving meal, stating that the holiday is painful for many people and noting that views can evolve. The exchange has drawn widespread attention online, with users reacting to her answer.
In the clip from CNN’s “The Source,” host Kaitlan Collins asks Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong: “Do you still believe that Thanksgiving should be canceled?”
Hong replies: “I’m a chef, and one of the first meals that I made for the community when I was 16 was a Thanksgiving meal. But Thanksgiving is also a time that’s incredibly painful for many people in our communities. And so I think there, I wanted to make sure that people understood that there are multiple views, but views can evolve. And the position that I’m running for right now, and I think my background as a chef will actually help me become a better governor that’s able to bring more people to the table.”
The exchange centers on a deleted 2020 social media post in which Hong wrote “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621,” according to the on-screen graphics and post details. The footage does not include earlier portions of the interview or any follow-up questions after her response. Hong’s campaign later stated she does not want to cancel the holiday.
How Viewers Responded to the Thanksgiving Question
Some users focused on her wording, with one writing “OH MY GOD JUST SAY ‘NO’” and another stating “JUST SAY ‘NO, I DO NOT THINK THANKSGIVING SHOULD BE CANCELLED’ JFC THIS ISN’T DIFFICULT.”
Others questioned her candidacy, commenting, “How is this person not being laughed out of the room? How is this a serious candidate?” and “I can’t believe how bad she is. How the [expletive] did she get to be the frontrunner?”
Additional replies highlighted the phrase about the holiday being “incredibly painful,” with one user saying anyone who says this “is disqualified as a serious person,” while another remarked the answer “would get a standing ovation at the next Democratic national convention.”
The exchange has become part of the broader online discussion surrounding Francesca Hong’s campaign for Wisconsin governor. As the primary approaches, attention continues to focus on how candidates address past statements.
