What’s with all the fuss over political commentator Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin?
When Carlson was spotted in Moscow earlier this week, it prompted speculation that he would soon have a sit down with the Russian leader. That was when the hysteria began.
Several different left-wing media figures and news outlets have spent recent days wringing their hands and clutching their pearls at the thought that someone like Carlson would dare to interview an authoritarian like Putin. The question is: Why?
Carlson’s conversation with the Russian leader will likely be noteworthy not just for the subject of the interview but also the timing. The discussion will be set against the backdrop of the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a well-known crybaby, expressed his hurt feelings in a post on X, formerly Twitter, in which he called Carlson a “traitor.”
He is a traitor. https://t.co/F4yK56vSun
— Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@AdamKinzinger) February 4, 2024
Before being summarily slapped down by RedState’s Brad Slager, author Anne Applebaum acknowledged the fact that many journalists have interviewed Putin over the years. But she excused the hypocrisy by claiming that Carlson is a “propagandist” not a journalist. It was a pot and kettle moment of epic proportions.
I’d like to hear some more about those in the media who are propagandists… https://t.co/kvqKBfmoVs pic.twitter.com/k1YfUxwLFl
— Brad Slager: Flips On The Highbeams In Fog Of War (@MartiniShark) February 7, 2024
When I raised the subject on X, asking if there are valid concerns about Carlson interviewing Putin, some affirmed that there is nothing wrong with it, but some expressed concerns that Carlson’s opposition to Ukraine and seeming affinity for Putin might help the Russian leader spread his propaganda.
They are not wrong.
Putin will undoubtedly use this interview as an opportunity to propagandize and plead his case before a Western audience. But it does not matter. The purpose of journalism is to present the facts and to cover each side of an issue.
Others have predicted that Carlson would refuse to press Putin or ask tough questions of the Russian leader. This is possible. If this turns out to be the case, then criticism is warranted.
But this does not make it wrong for Carlson to speak to Putin regardless of his personal views on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. It is essential that journalists be willing to speak with prominent figures on the world stage, even if those figures are abhorrent.
Indeed, the illustrious Kurt Schlichter summed up my position on this as only he could:
I am 100% for @TuckerCarlson interviewing Vladimir Putin and allowing Vladimir Putin to fully explain what he thinks to the American people in whatever way he sees fit.
— Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) February 8, 2024
I think the American people are going to reject his commie bullshit. He’s a scumbag. But the idea that we…
There is no denying that Putin has fans in America. Some of them are members of the chattering class. But, overall, most are not on board the pro-Putin train. I trust that people will reject whatever nonsense he spews. Moreover, they are able to understand that even through a vessel like Putin, certain truths can be gleaned. That is why it is important to look at these matters with nuance instead of black-and-white thinking.
Of course, I’m not applying this standard to members of the media who are crying about Carlson’s interview with Putin. As I stated previously, they are silly-minded hypocrites who had no problem with a left-leaning journalist speaking with the Russian president. The reason they are pretending Carlson is a traitor for doing the same has more to do with his politics than anything else.
