New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is capitalizing on Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News by criticizing the host while raising money.
A statement sent by Ocasio-Cortez’s staff to supporters claimed that Carlson, for years, targeted people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
The message further claims that Carlson has been “relentlessly” voicing hate speech since the beginning of his show in 2016 and that he was “directly” involved in encouraging violence during the insurrection on January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.
It went on to say that Carlson’s departure from Fox News is good news for those who oppose hate speech.
The statement suggests that Alexandria challenges Tucker Carlson and the many other voices like him who are still on the radio despite widespread criticism. She expertly lays bare their duplicity, denounces their racism and misogyny, and advocates for policy that would usher in the more just, inclusive world they so vehemently resist.
Several Democrats expressed relief at Carlson’s Monday dismissal from Fox News, citing his controversial comments and downplaying the violence during the revolt as reasons for their approval.
The day before Carlson’s departure was announced, AOC appeared on MSNBC and accused Carlson and others at Fox News of inciting violence during the attack on the Capitol.
The network and Carlson “parted ways,” according to a brief statement released by Fox News on Monday. Carlson’s last show aired on Friday. Last Friday, Carlson said, “We’ll be back on Monday.”
Dominion Voting Systems had sued the network for defamation after it aired false claims of voter fraud using the company’s voting machines in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, and the defamation suit was resolved less than a week before the announcement.
In 2019, Carlson said AOC is the spoiled, annoying ski bunny in a matching snowsuit in Jackson Hole who, while you’re waiting in line for the lift, demands that you pull up your mask.
On Twitter, she responded by labeling him a “creep” and using two derogatory terms for him in Spanish: “basura,” which means “trash,” and “pendejo,” which means “idiot.”
