Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Purple Heart recipient who lost both legs in a combat helicopter crash in Iraq, fired back at Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Twitter after he challenged her and other Democratic leaders’ patriotism and charged that they despise the country.
The volleys started when Carlson, in a nearly 14-minute segment, included Duckworth’s answer on CNN over the weekend when she was asked whether she also supported removing monuments honoring historical figures in U.S. history who were slave owners, such as George Washington.
In her response, which went on to criticize President Donald Trump’s recent appearance at Mount Rushmore, Duckworth said there should be a national dialogue on the issue at some point. When pressed, Duckworth said, “I think we should listen to everybody.”
On his show Monday night, Carlson noted that Duckworth is among the contenders to be Democrat Joe Biden’s running mate this fall and criticized her call for a national dialogue on the historical monuments issue.
“You’re not supposed to criticize Tammy Duckworth in any way because she once served in the military,” Carlson said. “Most people just ignore her. But when Duckworth does speak in public, you’re reminded what a deeply silly and unimpressive person she is.”
Carlson showed only a short clip from her CNN interview and said, “A national dialogue? Please. They’re not looking for a colloquy. What they want is a soliloquy. We speak, you shut up and listen … it’s long been considered out of bounds to question a person’s patriotism. It’s a very strong charge and we try not ever to make it. But in the face of all of this, the conclusion can’t be avoided. These people actually hate America.”
Duckworth is one of at least 13 women being vetted by Biden’s team as a possible vice presidential candidate.
On Nov. 12, 2004, Duckworth was in the Army Reserve and co-piloting a Black Hawk helicopter in Iraq when her aircraft was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Then 36, she lost almost all of her right leg and her left leg below the knee and badly injured her right arm. She nearly bled to death.
Duckworth replied to Carlson’s attack Monday night by posing a question via Twitter.
“Does @TuckerCarlson want to walk a mile in my legs and then tell me whether or not I love America?”
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