CNN's Stelter Weighs in on Michael Avenatti Regret

After the extortion conviction of Michael Avenatti, CNN media analyst Brian Stelter is now questioning whether his propping up the anti-Trump lawyer for a presidential bid was "stupid."

"I've been getting some grief from Sean Hannity," Stelter said on CNN's "Reliable Sources," "for once suggesting that I thought Avenatti could be a serious candidate for president.

"So give me a media critique: Was that stupid on my part?"

Stelter's guests let Stelter off the hook, ostensibly putting it back on the fault of President Donald Trump for creating the need for an antagonist. Stelter did, too, but admitted he should have been "more skeptical."

"When we're talking about media manipulation, whether it's Trump, Avenatti, or anybody else, I think the point is to be more skeptical of the manipulation that's going on," Stelter concluded.

Stelter's past praise of Avenatti was a part of an embarrassing video montage of left-wing media hailing him as "beast," a "savior of the republic," and a presidential contender, which was posted on YouTube by The Washington Free Beacon.

• CNN's Stelter Rips Colleague for 'Unprofessional Conduct'
• CNN Anchor Conceded Standards May Have Been Lowered in Kavanaugh Coverage