Rep. Paul Ryan says he has no ill will toward Democratic
Rep. Barbara Lee, who accused him of racism after he criticized inner-city poverty.
"I'm a big boy. I understand that if you challenge the status quo . . . sometimes you'll be misinterpreted," Ryan said Tuesday on Fox News Channel's
"The O'Reilly Factor."
But host Bill O'Reilly was not so forgiving, saying people such as Lee don't want to solve the problem because it keeps them in power. Instead, he said, they accuse Republicans of racism when they suggest the problem is tied to the breakdown of the family.
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"These race hustlers make a big living and they get voted into office by portraying their constituents as victims," O'Reilly said. "And it's all your fault and it's my fault. It's the rich people's fault. It's the Republicans' fault."
People can't find jobs because there is no stability in their lives "and they grow up with no skills, and they can't read and speak, and they have tattoos on their neck, and they can't compete in the marketplace." O'Reilly said. "And if you say that, you're a racist."