Former Fox News Star Tucker Carlson Interviews Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow
Former Fox News star Tucker Carlson recently flew to Moscow to conduct an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This interview marks the first time an American journalist has had the opportunity to speak with Putin since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago. The meeting between Carlson and Putin has generated significant attention, as it aligns with Carlson’s efforts to regain relevance in his post-Fox career and Putin’s anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.
Carlson’s Perspective on Putin
After the interview, Carlson shared his impressions with viewers, describing Putin as sincere but lacking in his ability to effectively communicate with an American audience. Carlson noted that Putin seemed wounded by the rejection of the West and expressed disappointment that Russia was not invited into Europe after the end of the Cold War. This interview holds particular significance as it is the first time Putin has granted an interview to an American journalist since the invasion of Ukraine.
Carlson’s Relationship with the Kremlin
It comes as no surprise that Carlson was chosen for this interview, as he has been praised by Kremlin propaganda outlets in the past. Russian media has been closely following Carlson’s activities in Moscow, treating him with a level of attention similar to that of American media’s coverage of celebrities like Taylor Swift. Carlson filmed a promotional video for the interview on the rooftop of the Ritz Carlton Hotel near Red Square, a location that speaks volumes about the regard in which the Kremlin holds him.
Carlson’s Influence on Republican Circles
Carlson has played a significant role in elevating Putin’s status among Republicans, much like he has done with Viktor Orban, Hungary’s autocratic leader. In a promotional video for the interview, Carlson claimed that he wanted to interview Putin to uncover the truth about the war in Ukraine, suggesting that other American journalists were biased against Russia. However, this claim was proven false, as several reputable news outlets expressed their willingness to interview Putin without conditions. Even the Kremlin contradicted Carlson’s assertions, stating that they had received and rejected requests from “exceptionally one-sided” U.S. media.
The Interview and Putin’s Perspectives
During the interview, Putin dominated the conversation, speaking for over two hours and relying on propagandistic talking points to argue Russia’s historical claim to eastern Ukraine. Carlson did not challenge Putin’s framing of the situation, nor did he use the word “invasion” to describe Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Putin blamed the Ukrainians for the invasion, a claim that is disputed by Ukrainian leaders and many historians. Throughout the interview, Carlson did not raise important issues such as the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Putin and his child welfare commissioner on charges of war crimes.
Carlson’s Appeal and Controversy
Carlson has a history of controversial statements and actions. He has been critical of those who believe that the Russian regime interfered in the 2016 elections through online disinformation. Additionally, Carlson defended those who participated in the siege of the U.S. Capitol in January 2021, which aimed to prevent the certification of President Biden’s win. As a result of his controversial behavior, Carlson was fired from Fox News and has since launched his own digital platform, the Tucker Carlson Network.
Conclusion
While it is difficult to determine the extent of Carlson’s current audience, it is clear that his platform has significantly diminished since his time on Fox News. The interview with Putin may have been an attempt to regain some of his former prominence, but it was overshadowed by other news, including President Biden’s controversies and the Supreme Court argument regarding Trump’s eligibility to appear on Colorado’s ballot.