Jimmy Kimmel attacks Brian Kilmeade over health care debate: ‘I’ll pound you when I see you’

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel was so incensed Wednesday night over criticism of his health care commentary that he told Fox News Channel’s Brian Kilmeade to expect a fight when they next meet.

Continued efforts of congressional lawmakers to repeal Obamacare prompted the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” host to once again weigh in on its merits. Mr. Kimmel made national headlines over the summer when he used his newborn son’s heart surgery to explain his opposition to Republican plans, and then again on Monday by lambasting a bill co-authored by Illinois Sen. Bill Cassidy.

Wednesday’s show featured the comedian mocking critics like Mr. Kilmeade who say “Hollywood elites [are] pushing their politics on the rest of the country.”

“This is a guy, Brian Kilmeade, who whenever I see him kisses my ass. … He’s dying to be a member of the Hollywood elite,” Mr. Kimmel said. “The only reason he’s not a member of the Hollywood elite is because no one will hire him to be one. The reason I’m talking about this is because my son had an open heart surgery and has to have to more, and because of that I learned that there are kids with no insurance in the same situation. I don’t get anything out of this Brian, you phony little creep. Oh, I’ll pound you when I see you. That will be my blurb for your next book: ’Brian Kilmeade is a phony little creep.’”

Mr. Kimmel’s latest entry into the national health care debate stems from Sen. Cassidy’s vow that any future legislation he signs will pass the “Jimmy Kimmel Test,” which is defined as follows: “Would a child born with a congenital heart disease be able to get everything he or she would need in that first year of life?”

Mr. Kilmeade responded Thursday by taking the high road. He denied trying ingratiate himself with the “Hollywood elite” with past interview requests, and then wished the comedian’s son well.

“About me and you personally, I did this thing called request an interview for an up-and-coming talk show host who did a great job on Fox Sports. And even when you weren’t getting good ratings, I thought you and the show were excellent. … Continue to do a good job. Best of luck with your son.”