ABC host Jimmy Kimmel is amplifying his political crusade against Republicans' proposed health-care reform, using his show as a platform to rally opposition against the bill and threatening to beat up one of his critics.
After a highly politicized monologue Tuesday, in which he called Sen. Bill Cassidy a "liar" for sponsoring a bill that Kimmel says doesn't pass his "The Kimmel Test" -- Kimmel's standard that calls for universal coverage, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and bans on lifetime caps.
Cassidy appeared the following morning on CNN where he said Kimmel simply didn't understand his bill.
"I am sorry he doesn’t understand," Cassidy said. "Under Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson more people will have coverage and we protect those with pre-existing conditions"
That comment angered Kimmel, who used his Wednesday monologue to continue the spat.
"Oh, I get it," Kimmel said, "I don't understand because I'm a talk show host, right?"
Kimmel said he's received praise from many for his tirade, but noted he was criticized by Fox News's Brian Kilmeade for politicizing his show.
"Thanks, Brian," Kimmel replied sarcastically. "The reason I found this comment to be particularly annoying is because this is a guy, Brian Kilmeade, who whenever I see him kisses my ass like a little boy."
Kimmel's audience applauded after he threatened to beat up Kilmeade the next time they cross paths.
"The reason I'm talking about this is because my son had an open heart surgery, has to have two more, and I learned there are kids with no insurance in the same situation," he said. "I don't get anything out of this, Brian, you phony little creep. Oh, I'll pound you when I see you."
Kimmel ended the 10 minute commentary with a plea for his audience to call Republican senators and voice opposition to the Graham-Cassidy health-care bill. He even displayed their phone numbers on the screen to help rally opposition.