Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson launched a sharp personal attack on Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), describing the lawmaker as "the saddest member of Congress" whose "personal life, is a true disaster."
Carlson made the remarks on his show, stating, "No respect at all at home, and which is like there’s nothing worse than that. I’d rather get beaten in 100 elections than have my wife and kids not respect me. There’s nothing worse than that. I’d rather be dead than that, and I mean it too."
The criticism came in response to a viewer question about who Carlson considered the best and worst politicians. While Carlson named several politicians he considered the best, he broadly stated "everyone else" as the worst, prompting his producer to note surprise that Cruz did not receive an "honorable mention."
Carlson elaborated on his view of Cruz, calling him "just like this sad, greasy guy who’s been told his entire life that he’s a genius because he has a high verbal IQ." He added that "the wisest people, know how absurd they are, and Ted Cruz doesn’t know how absurd he is. Everyone else knows, however, so I just feel sorry for him."
Carlson and Cruz have previously exchanged criticisms. Cruz has referred to Carlson as a "deranged, leftist psycho" and suggested that some of his Republican colleagues were too hesitant to appear on Carlson's show following an interview with Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist. Carlson's recent comments appear to be a direct response to these prior remarks and ongoing political differences, particularly concerning foreign policy.