In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly pointed fingers at pro-Israel conservatives, holding them accountable for the surge of antisemitism in the United States.
This assertion has sparked a contentious debate within conservative circles, particularly between Kelly and Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro. The tension escalated after Shapiro criticized Kelly for not condemning Candace Owens' conspiracy theories regarding Charlie Kirk's assassination during his AmFest speech in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to the Daily Caller, Kelly accused conservatives like Shapiro and CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss of "fueling the rise of antisemitism" by allegedly attempting to "censor criticism of Israel." She remarked, "They are making antisemites. Tucker [Carlson] is not making antisemites. They are."
This statement underscores a growing rift within the conservative movement, as differing views on Israel's role in American politics come to the fore.
Shapiro, in turn, criticized Daily Caller News Foundation co-founder Tucker Carlson and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon for not denouncing Owens. Carlson, however, responded at the conference, expressing his reluctance to "denounce and deplatform" individuals at an event honoring Kirk.
Kelly further accused Shapiro of prioritizing Israel over unity within the conservative movement, stating, "Ben is Israel first. And Im sorry, but his behavior has proven that charge to be correct. Why would you divide the American conservative movementwhich was gelling, which was becoming much more cohesive for a moment after Charlie diedover Israel!"
Kelly also took aim at Bari Weiss, criticizing her website, The Free Press, for publishing an adapted version of Shapiro's speech titled, "Ben Shapiro: Only Cowards Tolerate Conspiracy Theorists." Kelly argued, "Its this very loud group of pro-Israel activists that is trying to make this the litmus test about whether you get to call yourself a conservative, and they lack standing to do that."
She further contended that Weiss, despite her anti-cancel culture stance, has never faced cancellation herself and is supporting Shapiro's alleged attempt to ostracize Kelly from the conservative movement.
During her appearance at AmFest, Kelly declared that she no longer considers Shapiro a friend due to his public criticisms. She revealed that Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk had reached out weeks prior to facilitate a meeting between her and Owens, a request she honored. This unfolding drama highlights the complexities and internal conflicts within the conservative movement, as differing priorities and allegiances come to light.
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