CNN was forced to abruptly take a commercial break after host Wolf Blitzer appeared to be on the verge of vomit during a live interview with White House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. The “Situation Room” host was in the middle of the interview Thursday night when he became visibly uncomfortable and appeared to repeatedly throw something back. He watched in increasingly panicked silence as Raskin spoke about the dispute in Colorado over Donald Trump's appearance on the ballot.
Mr Blitzer, 75, struggled to control himself for a minute CNN paused his feed and let Mr. Ruskin finish his final remarks himself. At this point, attentive listeners could hear vomit-like sounds in the background. CNN then abruptly played a commercial, interrupting Mr. Ruskin mid-sentence.
Watch the video below:
Very concerning moment on CNN when Wolf Blitzer appeared to hold back the vomit. CNN interrupted Rep. Jamie Raskin and took a long pause. Returned with Paula Reid at anchor. I hope he gets well soon. pic.twitter.com/ftE7eXB1x7
— Kimberley (@KimberleyC) February 8, 2024
The show eventually returned, but with… CNN chief legal correspondent Paula Reid as host. “Wolf had to go, he's coming back,” Ms. Reid said before continuing with the show.
In a statement to the Washingtonpost, CNN confirmed that Mr Wolf “didn't feel 100% when he dropped anchor on Thursday evening”. “He looks forward to being back in the Situation Room and appreciates the well wishes,” the network said.
Mr Wold also later said he was on the mend. 'It goes well! Thanks for the well wishes,” he wrote on X. “I'll see you again in the Situation Room soon,” he added.
I'm fine! Thanks for the get well wishes. I'll see you in the Situation Room soon.
— Wolf Blitzer (@wolfblitzer) February 9, 2024
Mr. Blitzer has hosted “The Situation Room” for 18 of its 33 years CNN.
Meanwhile, reacting to the clip, several social media users wished Mr Wolf a speedy recovery. “I got worried when I saw you making strange statements, straight from commercial. I knew there was a situation in the Situation Room. You are the best, take your time and come back even stronger,” one user wrote.
'He doesn't look well. Speedy recovery to WolfBlitzer,” said another.
“Glad they released an update. It was concerning to see him look nauseous and then abruptly drop off,” said a third user.