Megyn Kelly has sharply criticized Joy Reid, a former MSNBC host, for stating that "nobody black I know is really excited about the 4th of July." Kelly, speaking on her podcast, labeled Reid a "race hustler" and asserted that Reid is out of touch with the sentiment of most Black Americans regarding the holiday.
Reid's comments, made during an appearance on the "On Sunday with Jack Cocchiarella" program, suggested that many Black Americans do not share the same enthusiasm for Independence Day as other Americans. Reid characterized July 4th as "the celebration of slaveholders who freed themselves from having to pay taxes to the Crown for their slave empire," referencing sentiments previously expressed by Frederick Douglass.
Kelly countered Reid's assertion, urging her to "meet other black people." She stated, "There’s not a black person I know who won’t be celebrating July 4th as avidly and excitedly as most of their fellow Americans." Kelly argued that Americans can acknowledge the nation's imperfections and historical flaws while still celebrating the country.
"America’s not perfect. We didn’t get it right right from the founding," Kelly said, adding, "That doesn’t mean you don’t celebrate the country." She drew a parallel to historical omissions, such as the exclusion of women from the Declaration of Independence, suggesting that the nation's founding ideals have evolved to become more inclusive over time.
Kelly also expressed relief that Reid is no longer hosting a primetime show on MSNBC, which has been rebranded as MS NOW. "Thank God, she no longer has that show on MS NOW," Kelly remarked. "I realize nobody watches MSNBC, but they shouldn’t be platforming people like that, Tiffany Cross and Joy Reid. These are nutcases."
Kelly concluded by suggesting Reid expand her social circle, humorously advising her to "spend some time with [conservative intellectual] Glenn Loury, for example. He’ll give you a little lesson."