Tucker Carlson Criticizes Campaign Against Country Club Exclusion of Jewish Child

Tucker Carlson, a far-right commentator, addressed an anecdote about a father's campaign against discriminatory practices at a Palm Beach country club during a recent streaming show episode. He described the campaign as 'repulsive,' arguing that clubs should have the right to associate freely.

Carlson recounted meeting economist Catherine Rampell about a decade ago and hearing her story of her father's actions against the Bath and Tennis Club.

clarified on a podcast that her father, Richard Rampell, did not sue the club but launched a publicity campaign in 1990 after his 4-year-old son was excluded from a preschool classmate's birthday party due to the club's policy against Jews. The incident involved the Palm Beach Bath and Tennis Club in Florida, which at the time excluded individuals based on religion, race, or gender.

Richard Rampell, a CPA, responded by highlighting these practices publicly.

“When your own child becomes a victim, it awakens emotions you never knew you had." — Richard Rampell, May 16, 1993 (Palm Beach Daily News). Rampell noted that her father aimed to address discrimination without legal action, emphasizing that freedom of association is allowed under the law.”

During the show, Carlson interviewed his brother Buckley Carlson, discussing topics including status anxiety and social change. They referenced a group fixated on WASPs without explicitly mentioning Jews. Carlson described Rampell as a 'girl' and 'liberal neocon person,' recalling her bragging about her father's efforts.

He viewed the campaign as driven by hatred and a desire to destroy. Rampell responded that Carlson misrepresented the story, turning it into a defense of antisemitic and racist country clubs. She pointed out coded language in his remarks, such as the term 'neocon' used as a euphemism.

The story highlights historical exclusionary practices at country clubs in Palm Beach. In 1993, reports noted efforts to open clubs to all, including advice to emphasize non-restrictive policies for new establishments. Catherine Rampell's uncle, Paul Rampell, was involved in related legal consultations around that time, advising on inclusive club policies.

The campaign by Richard Rampell drew attention to discrimination affecting families, including young children. Rampell vaguely recalled the encounter with Carlson at Fox News, where she was a guest commentator. Carlson has spent time in Palm Beach and referenced the area's social dynamics in his commentary.

the Bulwark podcast, Rampell detailed the 1990 incident, explaining her brother was not invited because the club did not allow Jews, even toddlers. She works for the Bulwark and a cable news channel. Carlson did not mention Jews explicitly in his segment, but Rampell interpreted his language as coded.

The brothers' discussion touched on disaffection with political figures over various issues. The anecdote resurfaced amid broader conversations about antisemitism and social exclusion in elite circles.