Politico Playbook: “OK, some of you will argue that he lost it long ago. But as careful students of his evening show, we’ve noticed that Carlson has gradually become more unhinged in recent weeks. He’s devoted enormous attention to apologias for the Jan. 6 insurrectionists. He seemed noticeably perturbed the night that DEREK CHAUVIN was found guilty. And under the banner of just asking questions! he has given quarter to anti-vaxxers and Covid-19 conspiracists. But on Monday night, during a rant where it was hard to tell whether Carlson was serious or not – his Trump-like way of distancing himself from the content of his monologues is to always keep you guessing as to whether he’s just putting you on – Carlson made a comment that was beyond the pale even for him, and especially strange for a self-styled anti-nanny state libertarian. ‘Your response when you see children wearing masks as they play should be no different from your response to seeing someone beat a kid at Walmart,’ he said. ‘Call the police immediately, contact child protective services. Keep calling until someone arrives.'”