Media

MSNBC Compares NFL Protesters To Abraham Lincoln [VIDEO]

MSNBC

Amber Athey Podcast Columnist
Font Size:

MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle compared NFL players kneeling for the national anthem to Abraham Lincoln fighting to free slaves.

A number of people have criticized the NFL protesters for claiming to be oppressed while collecting millions of dollars for playing football. On Monday, Ruhle responded to that criticism by comparing the protesters to the 16th U.S. president.

Ruhle made the point twice on the network, once during the 9 AM hour and again during the 11 AM hour.

“If you’re the party of Lincoln, then how does Newt Gingrich justify that Abraham Lincoln fought to free slaves,” Ruhle said during the 9 AM show. “He didn’t need to do that!”

WATCH:

She doubled down on the comparison during the 11 AM hour.

“Newt Gingrich said yesterday it’s impossible for millionaires to be oppressed–if they’re feeling so oppressed they need a shrink,” Ruhle said. “I guess Newt Gingrich doesn’t realize Abraham Lincoln didn’t fight to free slaves because it was affecting him personally.”

“Can’t you use your position…of influence to to help those who don’t have a voice like you do?” Ruhle asked rhetorically.

WATCH:

 Follow Amber on Twitter