Daily Caller editor-in-chief Tucker Carlson drew a lot of criticism throughout the media last week as the fill-in host on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity” when he took on the issue of Michael Vick and the public perception of his so-called comeback.
But on Monday night’s “Hannity,” Carlson appeared as a guest to clarify those remarks. He explained to host Sean Hannity he “overspoke,” but he did not back down from his disdain for Vick’s acts of cruelty to dogs.
“This is what happens when you get too emotional and I did,” Carlson said. “Look, the bottom line is I’m a dog lover. You know, I’ve had dogs my whole life. We have three now, I love them. I know a lot about what Michael Vick did – what he admitted doing and I’m not going to get into it on the show because it is too upsetting. Anybody who takes some time to look into how he mistreated these dogs and personally tortured them to death, gets upset and I, you know I overspoke. I’m uncomfortable with the death penalty under any circumstances. Of course I don’t think he should be executed. I do think what he did was appalling. “
Carlson explained that he believes in redemption, but said discretion should be exercised before declaring Vick is “rehabilitated.”
“[A]s a friend of mine pointed out a convicted child molester doesn’t get to adopt – I’m just saying, I have a lot of doubts,” he continued. “I’m not comparing him to a child molester. I’m merely saying because Mike Vick says I’m rehabilitated now and hires a bunch of PR guys to make that case on his behalf, maybe makes donations to a bunch of humane society-type organizations doesn’t mean the rest of us cannot be disgusted by what he did. That’s my only point.”
Carlson also added there were plenty of more worthy people he thought warranted acknowledgement from President Barack Obama than the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback.
“No question, but there is a line of several million rehabilitated people who I would like to see the president congratulate before he congratulates Michael Vick.”
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