'Say all the offensive things': Journalist theorizes why GOP is leaning into 'red meat'

A journalist and women's rights activist hit back against Gov. Sarah Huckabee's Sanders — who attacked Vice President Kamala Harris this week, saying Harris has nothing keeping her "humble" because she doesn't have biological children — and revealed her theory as to what's driving the GOP's "offensive" attacks.

Gretchen Carlson, an author and advocate for women's rights known for her role in the #MeToo movement following her high-profile sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, told CNN anchor Anderson Cooper that the parents of stepchildren are the real people who deserve a so-called "humble award."

Harris is the stepmother to two children, Cole and Ella Emhoff, through her marriage to Doug Emhoff.

"That's probably more difficult in some cases than if you actually have your own biological children," said Carlson.

She added that "toxicity starts at the top — and it dwindles down."

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"I would know something about this having worked for Roger Ailes at Fox News," she said. "Toxicity eventually becomes normalized when it comes from the top."

Carlson said it's unsurprising that Trump's allies and campaign have made such statements because Trump himself has done so with few consequences.

"They've watched him have absolutely no repercussions for saying crazy things, and now they say the same thing," she said.

Carlson theorized that the childless attacks are at a "deeper level" part of a Trump campaign strategy to go "full red meat to the MAGA base," because this is what his supporters want to hear, and there aren't many undecided voters left. Those who are undecided in the election aren't likely to closely watch each news cycle and feel "offended."

"So I think the strategy right now is full-court press. Say all the offensive things. There have been no repercussions. Get out the MAGA base. Turnout will decide this election."

Watch the clip below or at this link.