Sean Hannity called out Fox News host Howard Kurtz for his criticism of their colleagues in covering former Vice President Joe Biden.
Hannity took aim at the host of “Media Buzz” in a series of tweets where he essentially told him to hold the “lectures” against their network colleagues for their remarks about Biden’s “senility.”
Biden’s mental state has increasingly become a topic of discussion as the Democratic presidential candidate has seen a resurrection of his campaign heading in to Super Tuesday last week. Biden’s frequent gaffes along the campaign trail have regularly made headlines but his primary victories have meant more time in the spotlight which he has met with a steady stream of flubs and missteps.
During a gaffe-filled speech on Saturday in St. Louis, Missouri, Biden transposed his own name with that of former President Obama when he called himself an “Obiden-Bama Democrat.” President Trump told a Fox News town hall audience last week that he was surprised to see Biden’s resurgence, and referred to Biden’s mix up of the days during a recent campaign stop as he questioned the Democrat’s ability.
“But he also said 150 million people were killed with guns, and that he was running for the U.S. Senate,” Trump said, sharing more of Biden’s gaffes. “There’s something going on there.”
In his criticism of the commentary about Biden’s mental faculties, Kurtz took direct aim Sunday at his Fox News colleagues Brit Hume and Marc Thiessen.
“But how many other people voted for him tonight would agree that he’s senile? Or getting there?” Hume asked following Biden’s Super Tuesday victories, adding that the gaffes “are more disturbing because they suggest he may be non compos mentis, or at least, headed in that direction,” using a phrase meaning “not sane or in one’s right mind.”
Biden mixes up wife and sister, Brit Hume worries his gaffes are the ‘old and senile’ kind https://t.co/Gqxx23ryjP
— Conservative News (@BIZPACReview) March 4, 2020
Meanwhile, Thiessen remarked during a Fox News panel discussion that Democrats “are going to have to choose between socialism and senility.”
Kurtz called out the men on Sunday’s “Media Buzz.”
“I always criticize liberal commentators for saying things like ‘President Trump is mentally ill’ and ‘President Trump has psychosis and he’s narcissistic and all that,’ so I do think it was unfortunate that some commentators on Super Tuesday — Brit Hume, Marc Thiessen, people I respect — said Joe Biden is senile or getting there,” he said.
“Certainly he’s forgetful with his memory lapses and you can question his performance,” he added during a panel discussion.
(Source: Fox News)
Though Hannity was not mentioned in his remarks, the Fox News host shot back at Kurtz on Sunday in a series of tweets reacting to a Mediaite story on the criticism.
Howie, being the President of the United States of America is the Hardest job in the world.
Whether any candidate has the physical strength, the stamina, the focus and mental toughness needed to do this job is critical….
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) March 8, 2020
“When someone repeatedly forgets what day it is, what state they are in, seems to be regularly confused, that needs to be discussed as part of a normal vetting process…,” he continued, before using one of Biden’s recent gaffes – when he forgot part of the Declaration of Independence – in his next tweet.
“Are you saying Howie that all of these “moments” are not at all alarming to you??” Hannity asked. “Thanks, but no thanks for the for lectures.”
…”We are endowed by the thing, you know the thing”? That thing Howie is God the creator of EVERYTHING.
Are you saying Howie that all of these “moments” are not at all alarming to you?? Thanks, but no thanks for the for lectures. https://t.co/ZDVVcP1YhQ
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) March 8, 2020
Later Sunday, Kurtz responded to the social media commentary by doubling down on his criticism, explaining that the word “senile” is not one that should “be casually tossed around by journalists.”
Just to clarify, I have no problem questioning Biden’s lapses, forgetfulness or confusion. But the word senile is a medical diagnosis that shouldn’t be casually tossed around by journalists any more than they should pronounce Trump mentally ill
— HowardKurtz (@HowardKurtz) March 9, 2020
But while some agreed with Kurtz for being “fair,” many other Twitter users argued that he was employing a double standard by allegedly not calling out those who have attacked President Trump’s mental abilities.
On many occasions https://t.co/INratvIE1W
— HowardKurtz (@HowardKurtz) March 9, 2020
And this is exactly why I don’t watch you or Fox anymore! Double standard!! The man is Running for President of The USA!! We didn’t ask him to run and if he’s sick then quit. We want the Best to represent us!!
— Rose Thomas (@rosethomasrvs1) March 9, 2020
FACT… Biden has mental issues. Sorry if that hurts your feelings.
— GUY_D (@GUY__USA) March 9, 2020
Did Howie have a problem with Brian Stelter and CNN pushing the idea that Trump was mentally-ill?
Narrator: No.
— Merrick Jennings (@MerrickJennings) March 8, 2020
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Frieda@bizpacreview.com
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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