In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) spoke about an array of issues plaguing the Republican Party and American politics at-large — including Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who he called a “manipulative son of a bitch,” which doesn’t seem far-off. Kinzinger made that remark in the context of complaints by Carlson about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg taking paternity leave on the occasion of the adoption by him and his husband of two young children. On his show, Carlson mockingly said that Buttigieg was “trying to figure out how to breastfeed. No word on how that went.”
As Kinzinger pointedly put it:
‘I highly doubt that the secretary was totally disconnected from work. Although he probably could have been and should have been. But he has deputies, I’m sure he was in touch. And [Fox News host] Tucker Carlson took nothing but a cheap shot at him because it was a temporary hit of Pixy Stix or shot of heroin, it makes people feel great, they stay on. The rage works. And he created rage. Talking about Pete Buttigieg learning how to breastfeed — like, c’mon man. You’re obviously ignorant. Which I don’t think. I think Tucker’s really smart. You’re a manipulative son of a bitch who abuses your viewers for your own personal profit.’
Tucker Carlson Is a ‘Manipulative Son of a Bitch’ — and Other Thoughts from Adam Kinzinger https://t.co/0hBYpmbna1 via @RollingStone
— Adam Kinzinger (@AdamKinzinger) November 8, 2021
Buttigieg himself has also responded to Carlson at this point, commenting as follows:
‘What’s really strange is that this is from a side of the aisle that used to claim the mantle of being pro-family. What we have right now is an administration that’s actually pro-family, and I’m blessed to be able to experience that as an employee… We as a society, I think, are starting to do a better job of recognizing that parenting is work, that caregiving is work, and supporting it as such, which is of course why the president has proposed paid family leave for all Americans — something most Americans already believe that we oughta do and something that most highly developed countries pretty much take for granted.’
Check out Buttigieg’s comments below:
Sec. Pete Buttigieg calls out Tucker Carlson for the attack on his parental leave, "This attack is coming from a guy who has yet to explain his apparent approval for the assassination of Harvey Milk, " pic.twitter.com/DsyQgCyUNO
— Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) October 15, 2021
A universal paid family leave program for Americans was originally included in the social spending plan currently under development by Democratic leaders and negotiators, but it was struck — for now — from the Senate’s version of the proposal amid opposition from so-called moderate Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).
