Recently, Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson, a seasoned host whose program maintained high ratings during the 8 pm weeknight hour, was discharged abruptly by the network for reasons that are not entirely clear. Reports for the exit vary as to the nature of scandals or sins, but he clearly fell out of favor with the top decision-makers. Carlson’s performance-oriented vocals (and facial expressions) have been influential in framing "culture wars" and leading the charge against Democrats on all levels. Unlike his predecessor, Bill O’Reilly, Carlson did not maintain a "no spin zone." His telecasts spun fervently and favorably toward political conservatives in every context. Evening guest lists consisted almost exclusively of GOP pundits and politicians.
And that is understandable, decidedly incumbent on any outlet with a concerted agenda not mandating responsible reporting. What is less apparent is why his fall from grace has been an ongoing topic in interviews or forums involving 2024 Republican Presidential candidates, seemingly a case of the tail wagging the dog. Why would Carlson’s departure be a meaningful subject for these hopefuls? One plausible theory is that the scope of Carlson’s impact has eclipsed the significance of many such candidacies. He may well be "more important" in advancing partisan ideology than all the GOP contenders save Donald Trump. If true, what message is being conveyed about the quality of the Presidential campaigns announced to date? Evidently, not much substance has been expressed so far. In my prior essay, I wrote of "political loitering," essentially a benign form of stalling while attempting to conduct fundraising and also maintain visibility. In the absence of especially notable matters, Carlson’s plight generated wide de facto attention.
The drama does not close after one act. Ultimately, Carlson will locate another media platform, compatible and well-conceived for his views and skills. When he does, he is apt to, again, overshadow campaign dialogue as well as those running for office. There have even been rumors of Carlson becoming a 2024 candidate or potential VP. Like the loiterers, he would grasp his role and be savvy enough not to try and overshadow Trump. So, largely through unexpected happenstance, Carlson is destined to be a notable "player" in the ongoing "production." Indeed, in a two-minute presentation he posted to Twitter since his firing, he sounded very much like an office-seeker, suggesting that Americans are not hearing the "truth" about government and that current debates do not address that aim. This development attained more interest than any aspect of Senator Tim Scott’s "Faith in America" tour. Carlson’s story and his reach extend to the electorate more discernibly than any vision for America advanced by present candidates.
What will be intriguing is whether the field of candidates, sensing a backlash against Fox News by formerly loyal viewers in this controversy, choose other media (traditional or social) outlets for messaging, at least until the turmoil lessens. In the meantime, it is a commentator, not a candidate, commanding the public’s focus.
Hold Back The Nite 