CNN’s Don Lemon calls out Tucker Carlson for 'meltdown' over Chauvin verdict
Fox News host Tucker Carlson was called out on CNN Tonight With Don Lemon Wednesday for his reaction to former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all counts for the murder of George Floyd. Tuesday following the verdict, Carlson railed against the decision, claiming the jury only voted to acquit because they were scared. Carlson later became confrontational and abruptly ended an interview with a former New York City deputy sheriff who criticized Chauvin, and said the verdict was just.
“George Floyd's brother Philonise tells CNN Derek Chauvin's conviction is historic. Attorney Ben Crump calls it a victory for equal justice. But that’s not what Fox viewers heard from Tucker Carlson,” Lemon said. “He had a meltdown over the verdict, accusing jurors of caving, afraid riots would break out if they acquitted Chauvin. Seriously.”
Lemon later said he believes Carlson’s rhetoric is all about ratings and nothing more.
“I don’t buy the political aspirations thing,” Lemon said, “I just think this is just about wanting more ratings and power in television. But, you know, I could be wrong. I just think it’s a ratings grift. That’s it.”
Video Transcript
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- George Floyd's brother, Philones, tells CNN Derek Chauvin's conviction is historic. Attorney Ben Crump calls it a victory for equal justice. But that's not what Fox viewers heard from Tucker Carlson. He had a meltdown over the verdict accusing jurors of caving.
- On CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, Wednesday, Lemon called out Fox News host Tucker Carlson for his reaction to Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all counts for the murder of George Floyd. Carlson not only claimed the jury only voted to convict because they were scared, he also became confrontational with a guest who criticized Chauvin and abruptly ended the interview.
- The guy who did it looks like he's going to spend the rest of his life in prison. So I'm kind of more worried about the rest of the country, which thanks to police in action in case you haven't noticed is like boarded up. [LAUGHS] So that's more of my concern. But I appreciate you coming on. Ed Gavin, thank you. Nope, done.
- CNN's Brian Stelter joined ' Lemon and said he believes Carlson's message is meant for Americans fearful of cultural change.
- The attempt of certain types of white Americans to hold on to power is getting more and more intense in this multicultural diversifying country. But it's interesting to think about his show as a broadcast version of the white lash.
- While Carlson has risen in the ranks as a possible GOP candidate in 2024, Lemon doesn't believe his rhetoric has anything to do with a run for office.
- Or his friends say he feels like he's more powerful now, today, than he would be in the office, and he's better of on TV.
- I don't buy the political aspirations. I just think this is just about wanting more ratings and more power in television. But, you know, I could be wrong. I just think it's a-- it's a ratings grift. That's it.
