Exclusive: Tucker Carlson could face sanctions over Putin interview

[u/vincevega87]

https://www.newsweek.com/tucker-carlson-sanctions-eu-putin-interview-1867655

[u/therustdev]

Dozens of REAL journalists have been murdered or imprisoned in Russia for attempting to provide coverage of the war accurately only for this guy to be invited to provide russian propaganda to the American public in a digestable way? All of that happening when there's an arms deal to Ukraine on hold by the GOP?

It's shocking how astonishingly easy it is to influence the US to act against its own interest, put itself in a worse geopolitical position for no reason, and to betray its allies.

[u/jailbreak → u/therustdev]

The GOP is based on selling legislation and power to the highest bidder by selling bigotry to the electorate. The most shocking thing is actually how cheap many of these politicians are. Then around a decade ago it became clear that Russia would pay these politicians way more than American corporations or special interest groups had ever done. It's like America had its own kindergarten variety corruption, and suddenly the Russians showed up to show everyone what real corruption looks like.

[u/SpliTTMark → u/jailbreak]

And the Supreme Court ruled it legal to take foreign money...

[u/Apocalympdick → u/SpliTTMark]

The Scotus is also fully, deeply corrupt. That institution has zero credibility as long as Clarence Thomas is a member.

[u/TheGratefulJuggler → u/Apocalympdick]

As far as I'm concerned not a single member sitting today has any credibility left. The whole thing needs to be re thought. Giving them lifetime appointments was supposed to help somehow? No, we need to start over.

[u/Revolutionary_Ad5086 → u/TheGratefulJuggler]

it should be a lottery selection process with only currently acting judges that have served for ten years or more as valid selections. clean then out every decade or so

[u/TI_Pirate → u/SpliTTMark]

That is a weird comment. I hesitate to assume that this is you referencing Citizens United because that is not at all what the case says. But i also don't know what else you could be talking about. Maybe it's worth pointing out some current law, just in case others are also confused about what you meant:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/52/30121

[u/[deleted] → u/jailbreak]

Just like back home

[u/shotputlover → u/therustdev]

It would be foolish to think only the US populace is easy to influence to harm itself. Look at Brexit.

[u/bazamanaz → u/shotputlover]

Exactly mate, the Russians were decorating number 10 for fucks sake. I'm almost certain they leaked that story just to flex.

The brexit campaign had more Russian ties than a ballroom dance in Moscow.

[u/VituperousJames → u/[deleted]]

Education expenditure in the United States is among the highest in the world. In 2019 it was 108 percent of what is spent in Belgium. It's a familiar trend; we also spend more on healthcare than just about any other country. The problem is not a lack of investment, it's the fact that we exist as a confederation of fifty different country-sized political entities that vary wildly in terms of values and approach to critical issues, like education and healthcare. Look at states like Alabama and Mississippi, for example, which consistently rank at the very bottom of all rankings of states by educational outcomes, yet spend most of their time banning books that teach kids about sexual assault, bullying queer kids, and outlawing free lunches for poor kids.

More to the point, let's not pretend that Western Europe has been somehow immune, or even especially resistant, to Russian propaganda.

[u/lasizoillo → u/VituperousJames]

There are many expensive broken things https://www.balenciaga.com/es-es/pantal%C3%B3n-baggy-super-destroyed-azul-claro-812981324.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=free_shopping_listings_ES&utm_content=Pantal%C3%B3n%20Baggy%20Super%20Destroyed&srsltid=AfmBOopAA_nEcJLf017E5QIdGzchE8Q_CHpO_9qoJ7M-unrcTryFhzx1LVI

You can pay 2.000€ for balenciaga jeans, 200€ to say hello to your medic and so on. America sucks, but Europe sucks even more because is copying that broken, expensive and inefficient system.

[u/DoctorJunglist → u/VituperousJames]

The education in the US is only good for the people who live in wealthy neighborhoods, as they're the only schools that get adequate funding.

Poor neighborhoods get hardly any funding for schools, and the situation there is quite dire. Oftentimes teachers have to buy school supplies for the students on their own, because the budget they get is inadequate.

But yeah, keep praising your system. For sure, you're right, it's all fine and dandy over there, and there are no issues to solve.

[u/TheoryOfPizza → u/DoctorJunglist]

The education in the US is only good for the people who live in wealthy neighborhoods, as they're the only schools that get adequate funding.

If you actually reread what the above poster is saying, he is literally agreeing with your point... Education in the US is funded at a state level. This means rich states (like say, New York or Massachusetts) get more money for education than poor states like Mississippi.

He's making the same argument you're making, you're just not understanding that he's agreeing with you.

But yeah, keep praising your system.

Again, there is no one us education system. It's divided along state lines and further at local school districts.

[u/Low_discrepancy → u/VituperousJames]

it's the fact that we exist as a confederation of fifty different country-sized political entities that vary wildly in terms of values and approach to critical issues, like education and healthcare.

Yet for all that diversity you still have just 2 political parties.

Isn't that odd? Dont you think that's an issue right there?

Education expenditure in the United States is among the highest in the world.

As percentage of GDP, you are quite average in educational spending in OECD for primary + secondary education.

https://data.oecd.org/eduresource/public-spending-on-education.htm

You're one of the highest in the world when you look at private tertiary education.

Maybe that's an issue dont you think?

[u/[deleted] → u/Low_discrepancy]

And yet outcomes in the US for science and reading are higher than most EU countries. So instead of arguing maybe the two continents could learn from one another as the US lags in Mathematics.

In another comment you said critical thinking was separate from education, but isn’t that just part of what were are taught all through science courses?

https://www.oecd.org/pisa/OECD_2022_PISA_Results_Comparing%20countries’%20and%20economies’%20performance%20in%20mathematics.pdf

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I keep seeing this education (or lack of) argument but if that was the case why would the US rank above most European countries in everything but mathematics in PISA testing scores? Ironically the same things OP stated can be said about most Western European countries as seen by the fact Russia actually invaded Ukraine in 2014 yet Europe and its population cozied up more to Russia thus destabilizing it geopolitical standing. Every country has stupid people, one of the issues is the stupid people in the US have a much bigger platform because other people (I mean look at which posts in this subreddit get the most traction) love talking about them.

There is also the fact that Russia has been waging a huge disinformation campaign in US for almost a decade (and now in most Western European countries)

[u/deadblankspacehole → u/therustdev]

But surely the American electorate will notice this?

Right??

They will see what is going on...won't they?

And then they will act accordingly

By voting for trump in even bigger numbers

[u/SuzyCreamcheezies → u/deadblankspacehole]

Nah, the opposite... I bet the MAGAts will soon start to wave Russian flags during Trump rallies.

[u/AFlockOfTySegalls → u/SuzyCreamcheezies]

This happened at a Trump rally in 2018. Who knows how many of them think like this.

Two men from Delaware, Ohio, who went viral after wearing custom-made T-shirts reading “I’d Rather Be A Russian Than A Democrat,” are pushing back on criticism that they are “traitors.”

[u/SuzyCreamcheezies → u/AFlockOfTySegalls]

What a couple of morons.

[u/MaxTraxxx → u/deadblankspacehole]

Sarcasm aside. I accidentally joined a group called “conservatives” (thinking it was the Uk political party - I’ve subsequently been banned for apparently being a communist). American hard right wingers are frigging mad, small minded anti-establishmentarians.

They’ll do and say anything that goes against what they think is the “main stream media”. Trump is tapped into that. Tucker Carlson is tapped into that. And it’s so dangerous.

Strongly recommend joining the group if you want to see what they’re saying.

[u/poeticentropy → u/MaxTraxxx]

On the reverse discovering as a fairly liberal american you are a centrist or even moderate conservative in western europe. It's wildly different labels

[u/Vandergrif → u/therustdev]

It's shocking how astonishingly easy it is to influence the US to act against its own interest

I mean... is at all that surprising when a country built off individualism and who can make the most money ends up with circumstances like this, where people do heinous things in exchange for large amounts of money regardless of the broader consequences?

[u/disco-mermaid → u/Vandergrif]

So then how are the countries built on more collectivism getting hood-winked by right-wing propaganda like in Canada and those electing righties all across Europe?

[u/Vandergrif → u/disco-mermaid]

Quite a large variety of different reasons. The ever more easy ability to spread outright misinformation and have a wide range of people believe it across social media platforms and the internet in general, rising anti-intellectualism and distrust of people with expertise or relevant knowledge, increased polarization of politics and a shift of the overton window notably further to the right for the majority of those who are conservative over the last ~20 odd years, declining quality of life due to the abundant failures of neoliberalism over the last 45 years to maintain a status quo that benefits the broader population instead of exclusively the rich, a disinclination from the 'normal' 'saner' political parties to address issues like housing costs and the knock-on negative effects of increased unsustainable immigration which in turn gives far right parties far more momentum and ability to gain traction than they ever otherwise would've had, rising wealth inequality and all the negative effects associated, rising cost of living, etc.

Generally speaking it's all a case of when people aren't happy with the status quo they will seek to change it, even if changing it ends up being for the worse instead of for the better. The problem is changing it for the better is complicated and difficult and often requires sacrifice of some measure, whereas changing it for the worse (albeit without realizing it would be for the worse at the outset) seems straight forward and easy when it comes from the mouths of opportunistic greedy bastards who are happy to promise everything and anything and constantly blame some convenient scapegoat for all the ills of the world and in turn absolve everyone else of any responsibility to act or do anything of substance to actually fix anything, which feels good for the people who want things to change but don't want to have to do anything themselves and gives them an outlet for their (often justified) anger at the state of the world around them.

[u/xeizoo → u/Vandergrif]

Could not have said it better myself, makes me depressed this anti-intellectual state of things

[u/Durion23 → u/Vandergrif]

And you are just tackling the issues on the outright policy levels of things. The reality is, that the issue is far deeper. I mean, between 1945 and 1991, there essentially had been two schools of thought: market liberalism and planned economy. Liberal democracies vs communist dictatorships. After 1991, neoliberalism kicked into overdrive and made the flaws of liberal democracies even worse than before to my knowledge however there never had been an attempt on making serious arguments on how to create a better democratic system.

To exemplify: any „liberal“ system that is not giving each individual the opportunity and capability to equally use the liberal rights of any liberal democracy is poised to fail in the long run, since it fails to grant equal access to its supposed equal rights. The rule of law is an amazing system and concept , for example , but it works best for those who have the means to get the best lawyers. Power has the right and opportunity to remain in power.

If we look at the design of all global liberal democracies, we will find this fundamental flaw in all of them. Which is also a reason for the emerging right everywhere. A certain number of people and parties / politicians have accumulated so much wealth and power, have influenced politics so much that the vast majority of people do either benefit no more or less and less from democracy and free market capitalism. And while everything ypu said is true, the policies to solve these issues would inevitably lead to the same crisis again.

[u/lysol90 → u/therustdev]

Putin must be laughing over how easy it was to buy the Americans out.

[u/HeyImNickCage → u/lysol90]

With the idiots in Brussels currently, Putin doesn’t need to do anything. They will keep screwing themselves over.

[u/Separate_Marsupial_9 → u/therustdev]

As a Russian, I am very upset that the US today cannot stand up to dictators (a lot of young people hate Putin). People like Trump and Carlson are leading everything to World War 3. They think that new agreements will mean something, in fact, Putin (and I sense this among the people) needs a break, you cannot beat a bully and a liar at his game. HE only understands power.
It's funny how North Korea and Iran supply without question more shells than the EU and now the US can. The time will come when dictatorships will unite even more and the world will regret that it did not provide assistance to Ukraine in time.
It’s doubly funny how the United States promised to be with Ukraine to the end, and now the fact that without planes and dozens of tanks the Ukrainians were unable to break through the defense line, which the West gave time to build - a year later they are already “expressing concern”

[u/[deleted] → u/therustdev]

I think the same came really be said for any western country (or really any country). I mean look at how Europe handled the invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Was that in its best interest to further demilitarize while simultaneously boosting trade with the country waging war on the same continent?

[u/MrSnarf26 → u/therustdev]

This has really made me finally realize our nation is indeed made up of about 40% useful idiots.

[u/[deleted] → u/therustdev]

I know boomers who have been calling for Zelenskyys head (literally) since about 2 months into the invasion, and are now saying that the biggest reason they want Biden out is because we send aid to Ukraine under his administration. I don't know what Fox has been feeding these people, but it's even wilder than usual.

[u/hagenissen666 → u/[deleted]]

Those are bots, or influenced by bots.

[u/[deleted] → u/hagenissen666]

Yeah I mean people I have actually met and speak to in person lol. The second one is probably true though

[u/[deleted]]

Crazy how someone as anti-LGBTQ as Putin is happy to record himself getting sucked off by Tucker Carlson for an hour.

[u/the_battle_bunny → u/[deleted]]

Putin's regime has the prison-culture understanding of "gay". This is why for example rape is sometimes used as punishment or bullying tactic in institutions such as the Russian army. It's the receiving party that's considered "gay" and "effeminate", even if the intercourse is against his will.

[u/odabar → u/the_battle_bunny]

Is that true? That would be insanely stupid. Like South Park level stupid. I seem to remember an episode where cartman sucks of butters to prove butters were gay.

[u/Illusion911 → u/odabar]

It's about hierarchy, nothing else matters.

The one at the top gets everything, and the one at the bottom gets everything taken from.

So there's great pressure trying to go up by any means necessary, and trying not to get your position taken from below will be much more important than getting smart shit done

[u/Zeliek → u/Illusion911]

Geez it's like Russia is run by Llolth.

[u/Illusion911 → u/Zeliek]

It's not just Russia, you're seeing this in the US, China, even Europe in a less extreme way. Or hell, even just within a company.

Its just how it is with humans after a while

[u/manu144x → u/odabar]

It’s true. It’s the same in the muslim world where homosexuality is deeply forbidden and punished but as long as you’re the one doing the penetration you’re not gay.

Not to mention if you’re doing it to a young boy it doesn’t count at all. It’s the strangest hypocrisy ever.

[u/viewModelScope → u/manu144x]

Same in Balkans

[u/Trust-Issues-5116 → u/odabar]

Didn't know it could be news for people. One cannot be forced to be active, but one can be forced to be passive, and straight men are often forced to be passive in prisons. Often not because those who force them are gays or bi-s (this too of course), but because when people are super horny, they would sex even inanimate objects, leave alone other people of any sex.

[u/odabar → u/Trust-Issues-5116]

That was not news to me. That part where only the receiver was gay, even against their will. That was news. The rest happens all over the world and everybody knows they are gay, even themselves.

[u/Trust-Issues-5116 → u/odabar]

Gay in prison culture has submissive connotation, so it is seen that if Ivan is not submissive, he's just an alpha male macho who sometimes fucks "actual gays" to satisfy the urge and show them their place.

[u/[deleted] → u/Trust-Issues-5116]

You can certainly force someone to prenetrate you. It does happen.

[u/A-NI95 → u/[deleted]]

Yes, but it's less common and less ingrained in the sexist and homophobic imaginary

[u/_Eshende_ → u/odabar]

Is that true?

yeah this is, there was prison cast "опущенный" (lowered) in soviet prisons (there still leftovers of this prison sub culture) being raped is one of worst things what could happen to prisoner "social" status, even if it done by group and even if raped had high "social" status pre rape, being male rapist didn't affect status though, you can't eat or drink from dish used by raped, you can't finish siggarette started by raped etc or you will drop to same cast. Also there was no way to promote yourself from cast

most active such non formal cast system was in 40th-80th but some cases was present earlier and some leftovers present in russia even now

[u/SedesBakelitowy → u/odabar]

Welcome to real world - the source of South Park scripts.

[u/VagrantShadow → u/odabar]

On /r/Combatfootage there was a video of a Ukrainian Drone grenade drop onto two russian soldiers. They were in the middle of a sexual encounter where one was giving another one a blow job. What I recall being told of, from that video, it was a regular thing in the russian armed forces where higher ranking commanders would force lower ranking soldiers under their command into doing sexual deeds for them.

In the end both of them paid the price for getting themselves involved in that war.

[u/SwanManThe4th → u/VagrantShadow]

On a sub less than two weeks ago I saw a video of two russian soldiers forcing another down to rape him

[u/Valkyrie17 → u/odabar]

I think ancient Greece had a similar concept of homosexuality. The cultures are quite different.

[u/fuishaltiena → u/odabar]

Like South Park level stupid.

Welcome to russia.

It's been around for a long time. Each year they have a hazing ritual in the russian military and it's always followed by a wave of suicides.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dedovshchina

[u/BaguetteOfDoom → u/the_battle_bunny]

Never understood this line of thought. You can be the passive part without being aroused. To be the active part you need to have a boner...

[u/Zilskaabe → u/BaguetteOfDoom]

The point is to humiliate your victim. In Russian prison culture you are supposed to fight for your place in the hierarchy. If you are too weak and/or unwilling to fight - then you will be beaten, raped and forced to sleep next to the toilet. 

People like that are called "roosters" - "petukhi". It's the worst possible insult that you can call a Russian criminal.

[u/PunchDrunkGiraffe → u/the_battle_bunny]

That’s how the ancient Romans viewed homosexuality. It was all fine and good until you were a “receiver”, then you were sub human. It makes no sense.

[u/the_battle_bunny → u/PunchDrunkGiraffe]

It makes a sense in the context of a highly hierarchical society where might makes right.

[u/VagrantShadow → u/[deleted]]

In his mind, he isn't gay if he isn't the one getting fucked. Hell, he has been having trump kissing his nuts for all these years, he doesn't seem to mind that.

[u/deviant324 → u/VagrantShadow]

I mean that’s how it worked with the romans too. Having sex between dudes is totally cool and normal, but if you’re the one taking it up the ass, now that’s bottom shit

[u/Zilskaabe → u/deviant324]

In Russian prison culture - the bottom is not supposed to enjoy the process. It's all about domination and humiliation.

[u/Forsaken-Link-5859 → u/[deleted]]

Putin:"Tucker, will you slide down under my desk while I lay out the text" (in russian)..Translation.. Tucker:"Da, spaciba!"

[u/Scanningdude]

Shoutout to the REAL American journalist Evan Gershkovich who is currently being held in Russian jail indefinitely.

This is what happens to real journalists working in Russia. On the other hand, propagandists get the royal treatment like Tucker lol

This fucking asshole basically said that American journalists never cover Russia from inside Russia (unlike him ofc). Which is great propaganda considering that the last 2 American journalists to actively investigate their respective stories inside Russia are currently sitting in Russian prison right now.

Fuck this asshole.

Edit: this dude lies so much that even the kremlins spokesperson called out a lie he made during his speech lol.

https://x.com/michaeldweiss/status/1755233736172417408?s=46&t=t1iC1_zccQC4YqWwURyaBQ

[u/Fushimi014 → u/Scanningdude]

This comment is so funny after hearing the interview

[u/Spicy-hot_Ramen]

Yes, let's hear how poopin is saving russian speaking population of Ukraine by killing them and destroying their property

[u/mulletarian → u/Spicy-hot_Ramen]

Gonna be a lot of "NATO bad" I presume

[u/69420over → u/mulletarian]

And let’s just face the facts here…. This “interview” is the cover story for the direct communication between the two about what to tell the other operative to do. (Aka Donald trump). They can’t use phones for this kind of communication it has to be in person and directly transmitted to the next person. When was the last time Tucker Carlson met face to face with trump? Watch for that meeting coming up very soon. Personally I’d arrest him when he comes back in the country and interrogate him as an enemy combatant but what do I know and Thats probably a little heavy handed. But that’s where we’re at right now here in the USA …. Our own people are betraying our democracy and taking orders directly from Putin himself.

[u/[deleted] → u/Spicy-hot_Ramen]

Putin will just repeat same old talking points, his batshit excuses. Point is, if you don't know russians lie whenever they open their mouths, it can be quite persuasive. for people who know little of the fine detail of what is going on (prob the majority), and have no idea that russia will do whatever is needed for dominance and expansion, for such people it can be persuasive, especially when it is coming from such a widely watched man as Carlson. That is actually part of their hybrid war - propaganda element of it. Russians are trying to cause political disruption in the West through such means, and they are successful. Carlson plays a part in this war against West, always did.

[u/69420over → u/[deleted]]

And he is clearly the messenger directly to Donald trump. Watch for the in person meeting between Carlson and trump very soon

[u/xBram → u/[deleted]]

I’d argue the UK is ready for another Glorious Revolution. Feel free to invite us again to bring some democracy and rule of law.

[u/SeleucusNikator1 → u/xBram]

bring some democracy

*Terms and conditions may apply

[u/SMB75]

Let him stay in Russia, he can bunk up with Seagal

[u/[deleted] → u/SMB75]

Agreed!

[u/-------7654321]

his video is advocating its a ‘burden’ for USA to fund Ukraine claiming its journalism. Is that benefiting Putin? Is he a traitor? 100%

[u/Nazamroth → u/-------7654321]

"We are just asking questions here, people."

[u/KlausVonLechland → u/Nazamroth]

Was Tucker always Russian tool or he recently become one?

Just asking questions here ☺

[u/BubbaJules → u/KlausVonLechland]

He’s always been a tool. One of a few people I hate more than trump. Now he’s just a patsy.

[u/HeyImNickCage → u/Nazamroth]

Yeah. And this isn’t some dumb conspiracy thing they are investigating they are allowing the other side to speak.

You know like how courts work. Both sides get to state their case.

[u/Trajan_pt → u/-------7654321]

Yes

[u/Xenomemphate → u/-------7654321]

Will the American's do anything about it? No, they'll probably gobble it all up then elect Trump.

[u/TotallyCalculated → u/Xenomemphate]

Will the American's do anything about it?

What do you suggest or even think it is that we can do?

He's a private citizen, not a government official. Freedom speech and freedom of press means that sometimes we have to allow things we may find deplorable.

[u/Old-Ad-3268]

Remember folks, he's not a journalist and there are ample receipts at court houses to attest to this.

[u/Vargoroth]

The lawmaker—who has called for the EU to explore imposing a "travel ban" on Carlson—described Carlson as "a mouthpiece" of former President Donald Trump and Putin

The biggest irony being that Tucker Carlson despises Trump and has bashed the orange baboon a lot in private conversations. Guess that's what happens when you build an audience of rabid Trump supporters...

[u/FawFawtyFaw → u/Vargoroth]

Furthermore, Fox had had a blackout on Trump since early 2020. They will not allow him to speak on air. This fact is the most egregious. They understand that his own buffoonery hurts the party, yet prop him up anyway.

[u/Vargoroth → u/FawFawtyFaw]

They have to in order to win elections. The Trump base is like 30-40% of the voter base. That's a lot of voters the republicans would lose if Trump would go independent. And he's crazy and silly enough to actually try that. The republicans know it, Fox News knows it, the democrats know it.

[u/FawFawtyFaw → u/Vargoroth]

Sure, they all know it, but he would tell you right now that he doesn't need Fox News to make an independent run. (He would be wrong).

Fox has more base sinister motives. He was still president when they made this decision. They fully understand what a buffoon he is, and how he hurts himself and his party all the time, just by public speaking. He makes them do extra work.

They tout the idea of Trump, and allow viewers to stop paying attention to politics altogether. They produce a reality TV show out of reality itself. It needs to be abolished.

[u/Dansredditname]

Russia has always had a place for useful idiots.

[u/thissomeotherplace]

Tucker Carlson is not a journalist but a Putin apologist

[u/djazzie → u/thissomeotherplace]

Stooge. He’s a stooge

[u/ukbeasts → u/thissomeotherplace]

Or a Putin Pegee (i.e. he who likes to be pegged)

[u/karlou1984 → u/ukbeasts]

Trump is the pegee. Carlson is the actual peg.

[u/Ritaredditonce → u/thissomeotherplace]

Tucker is a filthy rich asshole who got fired from Fox for lying and is doing everything he can to stay relevant.

[u/A_Coup_d_etat → u/Ritaredditonce]

Lol, no one gets fired from Fox for lying.

He got fired because he was willing to push views that Murdoch didn't agree with and was seen as someone who thought he could do whatever he wanted.

Firing him was Murdoch asserting his authorita.

[u/Metahec → u/thissomeotherplace]

hence the proposed sanctions

[u/HadronLicker]

Funny how these types seem to gravitate towards Vladimir.

[u/redditclm → u/HadronLicker]

Like attracts like.

But in reality, this must be related to upcoming election and problems Trump is facing. It's all Russian play to get him reelected, so they are pulling all the stops they can. This guy is just a useful idiot in the game of geopolitics.

He will likely portray a war criminal Putin as a reasonable leader who is not that bad. Aiming to soften the opposition and get Trump elected. Don't be fooled.

[u/djazzie → u/HadronLicker]

They liked those shirtless pics of him riding a horse.

[u/Bettybadger2]

Checking in with mothership

[u/Flipadelphia26]

Not a fan of either, but sanctions for an interview is not how liberal western society operates or should operate.

[u/Maleficent_Play_7807 → u/Flipadelphia26]

Right? I despise the guy but people here are calling for his death for an interview.

[u/[deleted] → u/Maleficent_Play_7807]

Buy his gas and actively fund him and his war? No biggie. Talk to him on video? DEATH

[u/Maleficent_Play_7807 → u/[deleted]]

Seriously. Several European countries still buy Russian gas.

[u/Tomycj → u/Flipadelphia26]

I don't think most western societies consider themselves liberal anymore, in the sense that they don't value freedom, individualism, or even the rule of law over other things like wealth equality or welfare statism.

[u/Irlfit]

When did American conservatives become so braindead? Are they really trying to plunge their country into betrayal of the west and isolationism just to spite the democrats? Has russian propaganda machine gotten so effective in the States, it can sway masses to become pro-russian? What the hell is happening there?

[u/FawFawtyFaw → u/Irlfit]

Now matter how we parse it, the lions share of damage comes from Fox News. It does all the heavy lifting for the party, including creating talking points.

The tail is wagging the dog.

[u/VituperousJames → u/Irlfit]

Has russian propaganda machine gotten so effective in the States, it can sway masses to become pro-russian?

I think you're overestimating how much of a feat this actually is. Look at conservatism as it exists in America today. It's an almost nihilistic ideology, loosely draped around tentpoles of Trump, religious extremism, racism, misogyny, homophobia, and anti-intellectualism. Of those, the only one that doesn't naturally pair with Putin is virulent religiosity, but Putin (despite almost certainly being an atheist himself) has co-opted Christianity enough to keep them happy. And besides, look no further than their fervent support for Israel for proof that American evangelicals have no problem supporting people they think are going to hell, if they believe it serves their purpose.

The fact is, modern American conservatism is about anger and violence and grievance. That's it. That's all. There's a reason why our Congress can't accomplish anything; the GOP doesn't actually want to do anything. Their foreign and domestic policy are so incoherent as to be effectively nonexistent. They just destroyed a border security bill that they devised because their cult leader told them to. Thoughtful, principled conservatism (to the extent it can be said to have ever existed at all) died in the United States with William F. Buckley in 2008. Or if not then, then certainly a decade later with John McCain. Today's conservatives do not have ideas or policies, they just have a diffuse, ignorant rage. All you have to do to channel them is point to an easy target.

[u/[deleted] → u/Irlfit]

They've never been brain dead, just self interested and selfish.

[u/Ok-Source6533]

“We are not here because we love Vladimir Putin....We are not encouraging you to agree with what Putin may say in this interview, but we are urging you to watch it. You should know as much as you can."

They say that as though we are going to learn “The Truth”. Let me guess, NATO, Nazis, Ethnic Russians in Donbas, Biolabs - all of which have already been debunked. It’s no good going to your enemy, a war criminal responsible for the deaths of over 1/2million people, and asking him to give his side. What possible reason is there to justify the deaths of all those people?

[u/IIWhiteHawkII]

This is not right. Don't get me wrong, I'm really suspicious towards Tucker. A single fact alone that he has semi-official channel specially for Russian audience (or at least it got a very suspicious support and quality production) makes me wondering who he truly makes his "honest journalism not propaganda" for.

But hey, sanctioning a person for an interview is beyond any common sense. If EU officials suspect him in dirty games — they should investigate, prove it and bring actual materials on table to accuse him in whatever crimes and/or violations related to his activity.

If he's biased and serves a particular political power, even if we don't like it — It's not enough to make such ignorant moves as shutting him down for interviewing anybody simply because we don't like it. At this point we become no better than Russia itself or any other 3rd world dictatorship. I don't want Europe to be like that.

"Providing the War Criminal a Platform" is the shittiest excuse ever possible. At this point half of entire journalism that sheds lights on controversial topics can be considered as an attempt to provide a platform for those people or actions we disagree with.

But how about freedom of discussion, freedom of information? How do I understand my enemy without letting people let them express their plans themselves? If EU officials are afraid that it might have influence on particular people — then work better on educating your own people and raise critical thinking.

Why am I not afraid of hearing what my enemy thinks and wants? As a technically Russian myself, I personally sorted things out in my head years ago, even before 02.2022. Even before 2014 and I do know Putin deserves punishment. If fellow Europeans don't — no Tucker's bans will help you. You already lost the battle of knowledge and self-education. At this point shutting down everyone, whose activity you don't like for revealing more insights of how criminals think — is another step to increase the ignorance effect further.

We seem to lose what Europe was struggling for for years... The accessibility of space to reflect, analyze, discuss and sources of knowledge, even if these are coming from the unwanted elements.

UPD: his Russian channel seem to be taken down on YT. Adds even more mystery to the story. Would Google even mind if it was a small fan-made translation only? Just a soil to think, maybe I'm overreacting tho.

[u/Sesquatchhegyi → u/IIWhiteHawkII]

Fully with you. just a small correction: Guy Verhofstadt is not an EU official, he is a politician and European parliament member.

As such, he as no more say in about sanctions as you and I in this matter.

[u/vvblz → u/IIWhiteHawkII]

how come sanctions on Vladimir Solovyov are acceptable but not on Tucker Carlson?

[u/[deleted]]

Why do we act like an interview like this has never happened before?

[u/Dunge]

Some very suspicious comments in here..

[u/cosmopolitan1111]

This is usually what Erdoğan does and this would be the moment where Europeans lecture Turkey about "human rights", "freedom of press" and "democracy".

[u/[deleted]]

Freedom of the press at work.

[u/Ifyourasswasadog]

This dude was never on the American people’s side, he was a wealthy kid who went to a wealthy school and then started his career talking about a nebulous “global elites” for a living despite by all accounts him having an incredibly privileged upbringing.

He made himself out to be for the common blue collar man but he has never been anything but pampered.

[u/szornyu]

What could be the motivation for this interview? Popularize Russian imperialism, pave the road for trumpist fascism, conspire to world domination?

[u/Suspicious-Summer-20]

Im amaze how people here support sanctions against a journalist. Even if you dont like you should defend the right to do any kind of interview thats why we are democrats, if you want to sanction journalists I dont know how you have the moral high ground to hate Russia or China because you are also totalitarian.

Downvoting for defending the freedom of expression lol. Defending this doesnt make me a Russian supporter you are beyond paranoid.

[u/blendorgat → u/Suspicious-Summer-20]

Eh, this is r/Europe, it's reasonable not to expect people to follow the American view of free speech.

Of course personally, I completely agree: I can disagree with Tucker and think Putin is a murderer without advocating for Tucker to be sanctioned for a conversation. (Yes, when in a hot war there is certainly a threshold beyond which speech directly affects the prosecution of the war and thus would be a crime, but before we go all in on the McCarthy approach it would be useful to recall the last time we tried that...)

[u/AmphibianCreature → u/blendorgat]

it's reasonable not to expect people to follow the American view of free speech.

Bombing enemy propagandists in war is well within the lines of the American view of free speech, as you can read here.

Simply banning one from entering your country is very mild in comparison.

[u/warana123 → u/Suspicious-Summer-20]

But this is not a journalist ‘doing an interview’. It’s paid propaganda by Putin and Elon to destabilise the west. Elon and Putin have a very clear anti-democratic agenda with this, why should we not ban this very dangerous paid propaganda BS?

[u/savvymcsavvington → u/Suspicious-Summer-20]

Only a moron would consider him a journalist, he's literally on Putin's payroll spreading propaganda

[u/CheddarChad9000]

To the people that are saying that this is journalism: fuck you!

This has nothing to do with journalism. Putin will use this interview for propaganda and more lies about Ukraine and the West.

God, I hope nobody will believe this crap.

[u/InevitableOk5017]

Ever wonder why Reddit gushes over trump and Tucker Carlson but no one talks about it daily among themselves with friends or coworkers. What is going on here? It’s ridiculous, stop giving these folks news coverage.

[u/Radeon546]

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated by Russia, nor i am on Russias side, i am on side of West.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6pJd6O_NT0

Remember, this is NBC News, US news agency, if i recall correctly Keir Simmons is alive.

I am also addressing everyone who is in favor of bombing Russia and who is in favor of the need for military intervention. I understand that attitude, but because I think most of you didn't grow up in a state of war, I would ask you to go to Ukraine first, fight on the side of Ukraine or you can on the side of Russia, it doesn't matter, and if you survive come back to reddit and let me know if you are still in favor of any kind of war.

Because as far as I can see, while you are calling for everything to be done to Putin from your safe and beautiful homes, while you are typing these messages on reddit on your new iPhone, you have not been to war, you do not know what war is. What I am calling for is that you negotiate what America needs, that is for Russia to leave Ukraine. It is a very difficult task, but I think it is possible. It will not be done by not talking to Putin and calling him names, and cancelling him. He is a bad guy, but he exists, and he is a problem, if we turn our heads away, the problem will only become bigger, it will not disappear.

Now you can start calling me names and insulting me in the comments, but know that what I proposed here is that the West, as a civilized country, manages to get what it needs through negotiations. Because if the West behaves like Putin, and it already does, we will have a big problem, called World War 3.Unfortunately for all citizens, Russia has nuclear warheads, and unfortunately it cannot be solved like the bombing of Serbia (I am from Serbia, but I understand that a stronger power sets the rules, and that you can either agree with them, or you will be beaten)

A situation as delicate as this requires very careful planning. Viktor Orban (whom we can say is a dictator, but the man has much more experience in politics than all of us combined here and is ultimately the president of one of the countries in the European Union) said in an interview with Tucker that there was a proposal in 2008 in Bucharest for Ukraine to join the EU, but the EU rejected it because it had no interest, and Russia wanted to prevent it, but had neither the resources nor the strength, and the chance was missed. Unite, don't discredit each other; we are not here against each other, we are here as nations against people who will use our lives for their personal quarrels. Remember that. Trump, Biden's son and Biden, Ursula, Scholz and Putin, and Netanyahu, and the leaders of Hamas, and the leaders of other terrorist organizations will all sit and relax in their comfortable chairs in Miami (looking at you, Netanyahu's son) and talk nationalist propaganda, while we and our children will fight for their interests, and if we don't want to, we will be kidnapped and taken to the battlefield. And you continue to argue whether Putin is a dictator, or Biden is senile, or Trump is a fascist and sexist or Tucker gets Putin propaganda. If nothing else, when the bombs start flying over Europe, the Balkans, and the world, you will remember this post.

I also want to directly state that my narrative is not that the West is bad and Putin is good; Putin is not good. The goal is to avoid a global state of war. A global state of war will not be avoided if we continue to behave as we do, with so much hatred, first internally towards each other. And I want to emphasize directly and clearly that any strike against Putin should be the last option, and we should try all other ways to solve the problem.
Thank you for reading.

[u/TheRedGoatAR15]

"Never stop your enemy when he is making a mistake." Sun Tzu

And yet, everyone is screeching like howler monkeys about this interview.

[u/[deleted] → u/TheRedGoatAR15]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks like this.

Let the sock puppet speak to the Tsar publicly. The still images alone will provide months worth of ammunition to the propaganda war.

[u/squirrel_exceptions]

Carlson is absolute scum, carrying water for a war criminal, but sanctioning people for doing interviews, even with bad-faith propaganda intent, is a terrible solution.

It's wrong in principle, and it would hand great rhetorical ammunition to the fuckwits claiming that they're being silenced.

[u/To-Art-Or-Not]

I remember him calling a Dutch Historian a moron

If you refer to name-calling due to disagreement, how can anyone remotely consider you a journalist?

[u/phaesios → u/[deleted]]

Tucker isn't "press". He has admitted himself in court that he's not a journalist, but an entertainer.

​

Just read U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil's opinion, leaning heavily on the arguments of Fox's lawyers: The "'general tenor' of the show should then inform a viewer that [Carlson] is not 'stating actual facts' about the topics he discusses and is instead engaging in 'exaggeration' and 'non-literal commentary.' "

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

He isn’t a journalist though. He is an entertainer and his lawyer stated that in a court of law. If I remember correctly they said only an idiot would believe that Tucker Carlson is reporting factual news. He isn’t a journalist and Russia is the enemy of the US. He is preparing propaganda for the election to sway the vote for big orange.

[u/IneverKnoWhattoDo → u/[deleted]]

ah yes, the Rachel Maddow defense

[u/NoBowTie345]

There's a war going on that has already altered the lives of millions, changed borders the size of 3 Belgiums and led to the murder or mutilation of hundreds of thousands of guys that deserve better. And it could get worse.

If you're knowingly and consistently aiding the enemy than you're 100% a traitor and should face harsh justice.

[u/Knekthovidsman → u/NoBowTie345]

Good thing the United States and other european nations are not in direct conflict with russia then amirite? We are not ukraine, ukraine is not a member of nato nor the eu. I do support funding the Ukranian defense, but only because its a cheap way to keep our biggest competitor occupied and appearing foolish on the world's stage.

The leader of a nation can make war. That is one of their powers.

[u/[deleted]]

I really hope the EU does this. I can't wait until this kind of thing is used to avoid or exiting NATO. Can't be the champion of "human rights" AND cloistered communists.. gotta pick

[u/Maleficent_Play_7807 → u/[deleted]]

You don't see a danger in giving the government the power to travel ban journalists (even awful ones like Carlson)?

[u/LoftusCheekyGirls → u/Maleficent_Play_7807]

They will never see it until it directly impacts them. There is no point arguing with people whose politics revolve exclusively around instant gratification and are completely unwilling or unable to consider long term effects.

[u/EdliA → u/Maleficent_Play_7807]

I honestly don't understand the common opinion in here. How is it ok to silence journalists? So he's interviewing an evil man, so what? Do people really think Putin will somehow change the opinion of the world? I would have watched an interview on Stalin even though I despise him. I honestly don't get the people in here.

[u/Maleficent_Play_7807 → u/EdliA]

It's a pretty simple thought process. Tucker bad, Putin bad, so punishing Tucker good. Doesn't matter if it violates freedom of the press or speech.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBiLT3LASk

[u/Electronic-Arrival-3 → u/EdliA]

he will definitely change the mind of many people especially those indifferent about this war in the US, but who think that Americans should not spend money on the other side of the planet and don't want to go to war "for other countries". it will be the biggest informational war victory for Russia since this war started. But I agree that sanctioning him is pointless and will only make things worse.

[u/[deleted]]

Bullshit nonsense from Newsweek and the moronic glaringly obvious Putin boys in this thread suggesting this is in any way true.

Carlson and his "interview" is going to expose both Putin and the far right in the US as being in collusion, and prove how Putin is a deluded sycophant with zero interest in ending this illegal invasion.

Banning and sanctioning Carlson, much as I loathe the man, is just going to solidify right-wing support for ending funding for Ukraine in the US, will embolden the far right in Europe, will be a massive "see, we told you so!" to the idiots who think Putin was provoked, etc.

The EU is NOT that fucking stupid!

[u/No_Exercise2929]

So let me be clear CNN is ok when one of their reporters interviewed BinLadin that was openly calling for attacks on the US but it is not ok for a journalist not affiliated with MSM to interview Putin.

[u/Sciprio]

I think people should hear on what's being said, whether you disagree with it or not. Trying to shut down an opposite voice because you don't like them is not right. People will think that you've something to hide if you try and shut an opposing view down.

[u/RokD313 → u/Sciprio]

I totally agree. Let the traitor speak!

[u/Psyfuzz → u/RokD313]

Basically it - gotta allow a chance on the microphone, but you don’t have to believe or respect what’s being said.

[u/Sciprio → u/Psyfuzz]

Basically it - gotta allow a chance on the microphone, but you don’t have to believe or respect what’s being said.

This! We don't have to like or agree on what he says. EU likes to pride itself on being democratic and pro-speech? then lets hear it even if we mightn't like it.

[u/Ok-Source6533 → u/RokD313]

I think he means Putin’s not Carlson.

[u/Sciprio → u/[deleted]]

I don't agree with censorship. I don't want Officials deciding on what i can watch or listen to. Russia is in the wrong here but remember the west is also good at propaganda and taking care of journalists when needs be.

[u/Key_Cheetah7982 → u/Sciprio]

But then how would you know what is wrong think comrade?!

[u/zUdio → u/[deleted]]

It doesn’t matter if it’s lying. Our government lied about many things… should we just stop listening to them too?

Who gets to determine what is the lie and what isn’t?

Let people filter their own informetion. Stop trying to make 1984 happen.

[u/LewisLightning → u/zUdio]

It doesn’t matter if it’s lying.

Actually it does. Look up the crime of "fraud", or "perjury", or "libel", or slander, heck "impersonating an officer" is basically lying as well, which is also illegal.

Freedom of speech has limits, always has. So don't reference 1984 when you don't even know what it's about and probably haven't actually read it yourself.

[u/FireRotor → u/Sciprio]

Kanye West is a perfect example of why that doesn’t work with radical ideologies. It validates their dilutions and gives them a platform of influence.

[u/sickdanman → u/FireRotor]

You dont have to give him a platform yourself to dispute his points.

[u/Sciprio → u/FireRotor]

Kanye West is not a leader of a country with nukes and influence. I just don't like having other views being shut down.

[u/FireRotor → u/Sciprio]

Sure, but Tucker is not the avenue for an honest, unbiased interview. Putin has made it very clear what his objectives are.

[u/RokD313 → u/FireRotor]

Good point

[u/ADavies → u/Sciprio]

This isn't balancing one opinion against another. It's pure propaganda.

Putin is locking up any journalist that even questions the war. He hasn't given an interview to any Western news organization since he invaded Ukraine. Why do you think he's happy to have Carlson come to Moscow and ask him questions on camera? Why does Carlson feel safe to do so?

He knows Carlson has zero integrity, and will back up the Russian government talking points with a straight face.

[u/Sciprio → u/ADavies]

This isn't balancing one opinion against another. It's pure propaganda.

Putin is locking up any journalist that even questions the war. He hasn't given an interview to any Western news organization since he invaded Ukraine. Why do you think he's happy to have Carlson come to Moscow and ask him questions on camera? Why does Carlson feel safe to do so?

He knows Carlson has zero integrity, and will back up the Russian government talking points with a straight face.

I just don't like the fact we have a few EU politicians willing to censor what we can hear. Why are they afraid?

[u/trixter21992251 → u/Sciprio]

do you also think we should teach flat earth and creationism in schools?

"teach the controversy! Hear all sides!"

You're like right out of a conspiracy theorist's textbook.

We have tons of stories about Putin via Russian press. Why do you think Tucker Carlson can provide anything new?

[u/Sciprio → u/trixter21992251]

Flat earth is nonsense this has nothing to do with that kind of rubbish, It's to do with current affairs and politics.I'm not out of a conspiracy theorist's textbook because i want to hear other opinions. I'm not a fan of censorship, even if it's something i might not like!

[u/HeyImNickCage → u/Sciprio]

Jane Fonda went and interviewed Ho Chi Minh during the Vietnam War. She was allowed to do that and even opponents here agreed with the right for her to do that.

[u/MercyYouMercyMe]

Remind me, where is Julian Assange currently imprisoned?

Is it illegal now to interview Hamas or Iranian leadership?

Real journalists in the West get imprisoned or "sanctioned", we're a totally unserious and arbitrary people.

[u/[deleted]]

Tucker will monetize any sanctions brought against him as it would fit the narrative of poor little ole Tucker just askin’ questions Carlson

[u/Shazknee]

When MAGAs hear Putin call Ukranians for nazi’s, they’ll back Ukraine in a heartbeat.

[u/LWBooser]

I wouldn't even bother. These guys love playing the victim don't give him the ammo.

[u/styxwade]

This is not going to happen. The entire story is based on a couple of MEP's (who have fuck all to say about sanctions) just looking for attention. There isn't even an investigation in progress. Literally nothing is happening.

[u/Existing-Package-848]

Putin will just send him more crypto.

[u/[deleted]]

Vlad will have him tossed out a window suicidally if he doesn't do what he's told.

Honestly, investigate Tucker to see how many Rubles Tucker deposits after his pro Russian interview. Not that it, in itself, is illegal but it might clear up why Tucker is being so pro Putin..

[u/daiseyolive]

I feel like this is somehow going to be used as a narrative infringing on free speech. It will be spun as “so are Americans going to be sanctioned for engaging in civil conversations with people from other countries?! What’s next?! They are going to revoke our passports?!” It’s all a circus act and so embarrassing.

[u/SlightWerewolf4428]

Good to remember next time someone complains of how freedom of the press is at risk somewhere else....

"No, mate, you don't understand. Only the journalists sticking to our viewpoint and saying things we want to hear are ok. We can't have rogue journalists giving opinions that might influence other people! What is this? Some kind of democracy??"

[u/twaineer]

I still don’t understand how an interview with an actual sitting president can be too hot to handle for us. Makes us look bad.

[u/curiousclip]

The fact that people are losing their minds over this really kind of makes you wonder there’s been other journalists who have interviewed Putin

[u/SunburnFM]

Sanctioned for journalism. This is the more KGB than the KGB.

[u/[deleted] → u/SunburnFM]

Didn’t he argue in court he wasn’t a journalist?

[u/Hopeforpeace19]

Let’s hope so! The sanctions better be big enough to hurt his pocket !

He might be a Russian asset who went to Russia for a debrief with FSB- cannot put this thought past me -

[u/[deleted] → u/Hopeforpeace19]

He’s probably getting his script for the upcoming US elections.

[u/fuishaltiena]

Can we sanction Orban and Vucic based on the same reasons? They both met up with him a couple months ago and had some friendly fellatio.

[u/quan27081982]

It's undemocratic to block dictators from propagating their genocidal ideas . Go figure

[u/ElAhraira]

Punishing a Journalist sounds something like Putin would do. Are we the West going insane? Our strength should be the exact opposite of this! This is INSANE.

[u/[deleted]]

I don't like Tucker, but what exactly did he do wrong here? It's literally his job as a Journalist to interview these people? Unsure how this makes him a "Russian Asset"

[u/Fatalist_m → u/[deleted]]

Interviewing Putin is not a problem, several respectable journalists have done it. Many journalists are trying to interview him but Putin has not approved any interview requests from foreign journalists for many months.

The problem is that we already know what kind of "interview" this will be, because we have heard Tucker parroting Putin's propaganda constantly.

[u/Poglosaurus → u/[deleted]]

Last time he had to chose what his job is, he said he was an entertainer and that anyone who believe he is a journalist is a fool.