MSNBC went into spin mode for Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, after the father of Orlando terrorist Omar Mateen was seated behind the Democrat at a rally in Florida. Stephanie Ruhle replied to the development by stating, "I don't know what I think, but it's definitely noteworthy." Thomas Robert remarked that it was "very interesting," and hyped that it was "certainly a reflection of the Clinton camp to respond so quickly about what that means." [video below] By contrast, CNN's John Berman underlined that "it's a very unusual; and perhaps, unsettling picture for people in the Orlando area."

Ruhle gave a brief during the 9 am Eastern hour of MSNBC Live:

STEPHANIE RUHLE: There's one more note from the campaign trail. I don't know what I think, but it's definitely noteworthy. At one of [Hillary] Clinton's rallies last night, there was an unexpected attendee. Orlando gunman Omar Mateen — his father, Seddique Mateen, spoke with our affiliate after the rally, saying she believes Hillary Clinton is better for the United States. Not sure what I think, but, as I said, noteworthy.

Over an hour later, Roberts turned to correspondent Kristen Welker for her reporting on the pro-Taliban Mateen's visible presence at the rally:

THOMAS ROBERTS: But the father of the Pulse nightclub shooter was seen at Clinton's campaign stop yesterday; and I know you have reaction from the Clinton camp to that. KRISTEN WELKER: I do. Just a short time ago, we heard from the Clinton campaign about this, Thomas. And I'll read you the reaction that we are getting. One campaign official saying, quote, 'The rally was a 3,000-person open-door event for the public. This individual wasn't invited as a guest, and the campaign was unaware of his attendance until after the event.' Now, I attended that event, I can tell you that Secretary Clinton talked about the Orlando shooting — the extent to which she wants to try to prevent tragedies like that from happening again. And Omar Mateen's father was essentially sitting behind her. He was interviewed by some local TV stations — one asking him, 'What were you thinking when Secretary Clinton started talking about the Orlando shooting?' And he said, 'Look, we have been cooperating with investigators.' And then, he made the point that he has every right to be there, just like anyone else who lives here. But it is certainly getting a lot of attention here today, Thomas. ROBERTS: Yeah — absolutely. And being right over her shoulder there — behind her on her left-hand side, visible; and also, again, being chased down by reporters to give comment about why he would attend. Very interesting — and certainly, a reflection of the Clinton camp to respond so quickly about what that means.

Berman brought up the controversy during a panel discussion on his program, At This Hour. He and co-anchor Kate Bolduan asked Democratic strategist Angela Rye and former Ted Cruz staffer Alice Stewart for their takes on the issue. Both reacted negatively to the Clinton campaign's handling of the matter: