What began as a routine election interview between Fox News commentator Megyn Kelley and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich got contentious just after the start. Gingrich angrily accused Fox News host Megyn Kelly of being “obsessed with sex” Tuesday when she brought up claims by women against Donald Trump saying that he has groped them and otherwise made unwanted sexual advances.
Let the fireworks begin.
It is no secret that the former speaker is one of Donald Trump’s closest advisors along with former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL). He appeared via satellite on “The Kelly File” to discuss recent polls showing Trump is losing ground in several swing states.
Gingrich called the presidential election a choice between two “alternative universes.” He was referring to pollsters who do not use accurate data to measure voters’ feelings. That included Fox News according to the speaker.
Kelly changed her demeanor immediately and went on the offensive, asking Gingrich whether Trump himself holds some responsibility over an “Access Hollywood” recording of him making lewd statements in 2005, and the 11 women who have made public accusations against him.
An exasperated Gingrich angrily responded that Trump’s numbers are low because most of the media coverage of him has been negative, while the same media ignores Clinton’s email and other scandals. Kelly became a bear tracking its prey.
She responded, “Let’s assume she (Clinton) is corrupt. She was just as corrupt three weeks ago and three months ago.” She continued that Trump’s poll numbers had tanked after a bad first debate performance, followed by him talking about charges by a former Miss Universe he shamed her over her weight and Hispanic heritage.
Then the OK Corral shootout began.
“If Trump is a sexual predator . . .” Kelly began. Gingrich shot back, “He’s not a sexual predator.” Kelly attempted to compose herself saying she was only trying to make “a hypothetical statement.”
It wasn’t enough for an angry Gingrich. He was visibly angry and shaking his finger at Kelly, said she was ignoring Bill Clinton’s own history. “I’m sick and tired of people like you using language that’s inflammatory, that’s not true,” Gingrich said.
Now an animated Kelly interrupted, “Excuse me, Mr. Speaker, you have no idea whether it’s true or not,” she said, to which Gingrich replied, “Neither do you.” Kelly returned fire saying, “I’m not taking a position on it. I think your defensiveness on this may speak volumes, sir. What I said is, if Trump is a sexual predator, then it’s a big story. We have to cover that story, sir.”
Gingrich in turn fired back, “Sure, OK. So it’s worth 23 minutes on the three networks to cover that story, and Hillary Clinton had a secret speech in Brazil to a bank that paid her $225,000 saying her dream is an open border where 600 million people can come to America is not worth covering.” Kelly’s retort agreed that story was also worthy of media coverage and her network covered it.
Gingrich didn’t accept that explanation. “You are fascinated with sex, and you don’t care about public policy,” he said. “Me, really?” Kelly replied. “That’s what I get out of watching you tonight,” Gingrich said. Kelly said the allegations are a “real issue” that should be covered. “You want to comment on whether the Clinton ticket has a relationship to a sexual predator?” Gingrich asked. “We on ‘The Kelly File’ have covered that story as well,” she said.
A red-faced Gingrich, pointing his finger and visibly trembling said, “I want to hear your words: Bill Clinton sexual predator. I dare you. Say Bill Clinton, sexual predator.” Kelly passed on the challenge and quickly wrapped up the interview. She would not repeat the words.
“We’re going to have to leave it at that, and you can take your anger issues and spend some time working on them, Mr. Speaker,” Kelly said.
“You too,” Gingrich said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RVqTfIKGbU
