Tucker Carlson calls Walz 'affirmative action hire' as he blasts him over disastrous VP debate performance
WASHINGTON, DC: Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has weighed in on the recent vice presidential debate, questioning the Democratic Party's decision to select Tim Walz as Kamala Harris' running mate.
The debate, held in New York on Tuesday evening, saw Minnesota Governor Walz confront Ohio Senator JD Vance.
Tucker Carlson labels Walz as 'affirmative action hire'
Unlike the earlier debate between Harris and Trump, this encounter was notably civil, focusing on policy disagreements and differing ideologies.
According to the Newsweek, Carlson described the 100-minute debate as "a pure joy to watch from beginning to end," asserting that Vance’s composed responses and well-prepared demeanor led to a slight victory over Walz.
In his Spotify podcast following the event, Carlson remarked, "It is never a good idea to choose anybody for any position on the basis of demographic qualifications," accusing the Harris campaign of selecting Walz solely because he is a White male. He called him "an affirmative action hire."
Tucker Carlson critiques Walz's performance and Democratic selection process
During the discussion, Carlson portrayed Walz as "sad, but also very creepy," while criticizing CBS moderators as "shrieking liberal narcissists."
A notable moment from the debate included an interruption of Vance by CBS's Margaret Brennan while he discussed Haitian immigration, despite the network's earlier promise to avoid live fact-checking.
Carlson primarily targeted the Democratic Party's rationale for choosing Walz over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, whom he suggested was a more competent candidate. He stated, "The Kamala Harris people think in terms of race about everything," implying that the selection was influenced by race.
Tucker Carlson questions selection criteria, expresses relief over Walz's appointment
Referencing the appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, he said, "That's why [Harris] was chosen, that's why Jackson was chosen."
While Carlson criticized the decision to overlook Shapiro, he expressed relief that Walz was selected instead. "I'm glad they didn't choose Shapiro," he commented, noting that while he views Shapiro as "much more capable," he also considers him "probably a much worse person" than Walz.
Carlson's guest added that a "well-circulated rumor" in Washington suggested that Shapiro was bypassed because he was perceived as "too Jewish" for Democratic voters.
Walz faces criticism for gaffes during debate while Vance maintains focus on campaign strategy
However, after their vice presidential debate in New York City, Republican Senator JD Vance and Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz resumed campaigning in crucial battleground states.
Walz, arriving in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, remarked on the chaotic nature of the debate, saying, "New York City was a little crazy last night," which many analysts deemed a slight win for Vance due to his polished demeanor.
However, Walz became a focal point for gaffes, notably claiming he had "become friends with school shooters" while discussing gun control, and inaccurately stating he was in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square massacre, later admitting, "I need to be more specific on that."
Vance, reflecting on Walz's comments, mentioned he didn't notice the gaffe during the debate but heard about it afterward, adding, "That was probably only the third- or fourth-dumbest comment Tim Walz made that night."
Meanwhile, Walz stressed the necessity of recognizing President Biden's 2020 victory, stating, "It is disqualifying to not acknowledge that the 2020 election was won by Joe Biden."
Both candidates are ramping up their efforts in Michigan and Pennsylvania, recognizing their critical role in the forthcoming election.
