US election: CNN analyst sacked after leaking debate questions to Clinton

CNN analyst Donna Brazile has been axed for sending debate questions in advance to the Clinton campaign.

‘Completely uncomfortable’: Donna Brazile on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July.

CNN has parted ways with Democratic strategist Donna Brazile after hacked emails released by WikiLeaks showed she shared questions with Hillary Clinton’s campaign ahead of events sponsored by the network.

Ms Brazile had been on leave since agreeing in July to serve as acting chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. The network announced yesterday the analyst had resigned.

WikiLeaks said she emailed Clinton aides on the eve of a ­debate with Bernie Sanders hosted by CNN in the Michigan city of Flint, which is facing a crisis over elevated lead levels in its water.

“One question directed to HRC tomorrow is from a woman with a rash,” Ms Brazile told campaign chairman John Podesta and communications director Jennifer Palmieri. “Her family has lead poison and she will ask what, if anything, will Hillary do as president to help the ppl of Flint.”

During the debate, Mrs Clinton was addressed by a women whose family had skin problems, although her question was different.

In a message on March 12, a day ahead of a CNN town hall, Ms ­Brazile told Ms Palmieri that “from time to time I get the questions in advance”, promising to send more in the future.

While it was “completely uncomfortable” with the revelation, CNN said it had never given Ms Brazile access to questions, attendee lists or background information in advance. Donald Trump has claimed for weeks Mrs Clinton had advanced knowledge of questions in the debates.

AFP