Fox's Tucker Carlson attacks Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth's patriotism, gets blowback
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) is now on presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's short list of potential running mates. "You're not supposed to criticize Tammy Duckworth in any way because she once served in the military," Tucker Carlson said on his Fox News show Monday night. But he went on to criticize her anyway. "Most people just ignore her," Carlson said. "But when Duckworth does speak in public, you're reminded what a deeply silly and unimpressive person she is."
After showing a clip from Sunday talk shows, Carlson claimed that Duckworth, who lost both legs when the Black Hawk helicopter she was co-piloting was shot down in Iraq in 2004, and other top Democrats "actually hate America." Duckworth suggested Carlson "walk a mile in my legs and then tell me whether or not I love America," referencing both the Bible and the reason she was awarded a Purple Heart.
Carlson may have been born into wealth and privilege, but he has steered his show to No. 1 on cable news. His comments on race have led to a sizable pullout of advertisers but they've also raised his profile as a possible 2024 Republican presidential nominee, meaning it's not impossible he could face off against Duckworth for higher stakes than cable news ratings in four years. You can watch Carlson's comments below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Trump starts term with spate of executive orders
Speed Read The president is rolling back many of Joe Biden's climate and immigration policies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump pardons or commutes all charged Jan. 6 rioters
Speed Read The new president pardoned roughly 1,500 criminal defendants charged with crimes related to the Capitol riot
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
DeSantis appoints Florida's top lawyer to US Senate
Speed Read The state's attorney general, Ashley Moody, will replace Sen. Marco Rubio in the Senate
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Pam Bondi downplays politics at confirmation hearing
Speed Read Trump's pick for attorney general claimed her Justice Department would not prosecute anyone for political reasons
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Biden warns of oligarchy in farewell address
Speed Read The president issued a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power in the hands of the ultra-wealthy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Hegseth boosts hopes for confirmation amid grilling
Speed Read The Senate held confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth, Trump's Defense Secretary nominee
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden removes Cuba from terrorism blacklist
Speed read The move is likely to be reversed by the incoming Trump administration, as it was Trump who first put Cuba on the terrorism blacklist in his first term
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published