After dodging multiple questions from a reporter, Sen. Rand Paul tells him to “watch Fox News” for his statement on 9/11 First Responders bill

Paul: “If you watch Fox News, you'll see that we explained exactly what the lies were. So watch Fox News.”

On July 17, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) objected to a request from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to unanimously approve legislation that would ensure a compensation fund for first responders of the 9/11 attacks would never run out; approving the legislation with unanimous consent would fast-track its approval. When a reporter from NY1 repeatedly asked Paul about his objection to the bill, Paul tried to dodge the questions and then directed the reporter to view his interview on Fox News. NY1 tweeted video of the exchange. 

From the July 19 edition of NY1's Spectrum News

Video file

JEEVAN VITTAL (REPORTER, NY1): What is your objection to the bill? Sir, what is the objection to the 9/11 bill that you had on the Senate? Are you going to vote in favor of this bill, senator? Senator Paul, do you agree with the assessment that Senator [Kirsten] Gillibrand was making, that you're standing in the way of first responders receiving their benefits? Senator, are you going to do any further blocks or amendments or objections to this bill? Senator, did you have a chance to meet with any of the first responders who came to Capitol Hill yesterday? Do you have anything to say to the first responders, sir? Senator Paul, is there anything you can say to the first responders who came yesterday? 

SEN. RAND PAUL (R-KY): If you watch Fox News, we just did an interview on Fox News and there's a lot of good information on there. If you'll tell your viewers to tune into Fox News, we have some great stuff on there. 

VITTAL: With all due respect, sir, I'm not Fox News, but can you paraphrase really quickly just --

PAUL: Well, if you're a professional outlet you could call and get an interview, like they did. 

VITTAL: Sir, we've tried multiple times. 

PAUL: Yeah, I don't know who you are, who you're with.

VITTAL: I'm with New York 1. Sir, what is your objection to the bill?

PAUL: Here's my suggestion: If you would like to be sort of a professional reporter --

VITTAL: With all due respect sir, what is your objection to the 9/11 First Responder bill? 

PAUL: If you'll call and get an interview, that would be a great idea. 

VITTAL: I understand you have issues with the national debt. Is that your objection, sir?

PAUL: If you watch Fox News, you'll see that we explained exactly what the lies were. So watch Fox News.

VITTAL: Do you mind clearing that up, sir? What do you mean by the lies? Is there anything else you can tell us sir? All right, thank you senator. 

Previously

Roger Ailes’ Professional Legacy Is Creating A Propaganda Machine That’s Hurting America

“Destructive propaganda machine”: How current and former staffers have ripped into Fox News

Fox's “news” team is an essential cog in a corrupt propaganda machine