Yesterday, while touring Washington, former British prime minister Boris Johnson said he’s dismayed by the inordinate influence Tucker Carlson has had on many Republican politicians’ publicly expressed views on continued American assistance to Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. As Caroline Downey reported:
“I have been appalled to discover just how many people are afraid and frightened of a guy called Tucker Carlson,” Johnson said during a panel discussion with the Atlantic Council. “What is it with this guy? All these wonderful Republicans seem intimidated by his perspective.”
Johnson’s concerns are justified. Because of his large viewership and ability to whip up anger against anybody who crosses swords with him, Carlson wields tremendous influence among Republicans. There’s a contingent of Republicans who are eager to get into his good graces by taking positions that will generate appearances and favorable coverage on his show. There are also those who may oppose his populist and non-interventionist vision, who nonetheless walk on egg shells when it comes to any discussion of him. Republicans should be more willing to say what they think, without fear of whether they end up in Carlson’s crosshairs.