On CNN Thursday, late-night host Chris Cuomo tore into House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) for his refusal to condemn President Donald Trump's conduct on coronavirus — or even his racist use of the term "kung flu."
"Here is ranking Republican McCarthy, request to a no-brainer question," said Cuomo. "Here is his response to a question about whether or not it is good for a president to call COVID 'kung flu.'"
"Do you think that is the most pressing issue you have about the coronavirus?" said McCarthy in the clip, saying the question was "appalling" but not answering it.
"You should get right back to that podium because we know you don't have the gumption to come on a show like this," said Cuomo. "You hide. You stay quiet. Big man Mr. McCarthy. Strong leadership. Tells everybody all the time, I'm not afraid of Trump, I'm not afraid of anything. Come on the show and tell me that you're appalled by questions about 'kung flu.'"
"I'll tell you what is appalling," said Cuomo. "You haven't said a damn thing about what this president has been misleading America about, and you know it. Think about if it were your daughters. Think about it. Would you want them going with no mask? Would you tell them masks are weakness? Is that what you're doing for them? How about your parents? How about the vulnerable people in your family? You telling them?"
"You're not appalled at all," said Cuomo heatedly. "You ducked the question because you can't risk your relationship with the president, because he keeps you in power. You fear him. You are one of those politicians that does things out of fear of consequence. You are not about good conscience. Prove me wrong! Show me where you said the president is wrong to talk down about masks, we have to do better, we have to contact trace. Where is it? Where have you said it?"
Watch below:
