Just two days after Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was lambasted by conservatives for saying in the Senate that the events of January 6, 2021 was a “violent terrorist attack on the Capitol,” Cruz made an appearance on Thursday evening’s edition of Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight.”
Cruz said that he had texted host Tucker Carlson after his Wednesday episode in order to clear the air concerning his comments. However, Carlson wasn’t buying Cruz’s explanation.
“The way I phrased things [Wednesday], it was sloppy and it was, frankly, dumb,” Cruz said before Carlson interrupted him.
“I don’t buy that,” Carlson interjected. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I don’t buy that. Look, I’ve known you a long time, since before you went to the Senate. You were a Supreme Court contender. You take words as seriously as any man who has ever served in the Senate, and every word — you repeated that phrase — I do not believe that you used that accidentally. I just don’t.”
Cruz then attempted to explain what he meant by using those specific words, claiming that he’s used the term “terrorist” for any occasion in which a cop is violently attacked and wasn’t referring to supporters of former President Donald Trump, the vast majority of whom were actually peacefully protesting.
After more pushback from Carlson, Cruz once again attempted to explain.
“The reason I used that word [terrorist] — for a decade — I have referred to people who violently assault police officers as terrorists,” Cruz said. “I’ve done so over and over and over again. If you look at all the assaults we’ve seen across the country, I’ve called that terrorism over and over again.”
The Texas senator then continued by agreeing with Carlson that what he said was a poor choice of words.
“That being said Tucker,” Cruz continued, “I agree with you. It was a mistake to say that yesterday, and the reason is what you just said, which is, we’ve now had for a year the media and Democrats twisting words and trying to say that all of us are terrorists, trying to say you’re a terrorist, I’m a terrorist.”
Cruz said he understands why people are angry over his choice of words, but Tucker went on to tell the senator that he simply doesn’t believe his explanation.
“I guess I just don’t believe you,” Carlson said. “And I say that with respect, because I have such respect for your acuity and your precision, and I’ve seen it on display. I’ve covered you as a reporter. I know how you speak.”
Cruz reiterated his explanation, while adding the work he’s done to combat the establishment media and politician’s narrative on January 6. That’s where the segment ended.
For video of the full segment, watch below: