Tucker Carlson’s return to the Republican National Convention was highly anticipated after his absence from CNN and MSNBC. He made a grand entrance to the tune of “Journalist, author and American citizen,” a departure from his former image as a bow tie-wearing conservative. His remarks seemed to resonate with the crowd, praising the convention for its energetic vibes and fun atmosphere.
During his speech, Carlson expressed his full support for Donald Trump and VP nominee J.D. Vance, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the audience. He even referenced a recent assassination attempt on Trump, attributing his survival to “divine intervention.” This show of support for the former president garnered a positive response from the crowd, with Carlson leaving the stage to thunderous applause.
Reception by Other Networks
Despite the buzz surrounding Carlson’s speech at the RNC, CNN and MSNBC chose not to broadcast his remarks. While CNN briefly showed a wide shot of Carlson on the LED screen, MSNBC continued with its regular programming during the 9 pm ET hour. This lack of coverage from other networks raises questions about their editorial priorities and whether they are actively choosing to ignore conservative voices like Carlson.
Before joining Fox News in 2009, Tucker Carlson had a storied career in media, including stints at CNN, PBS, and MSNBC. His rise to prominence as the founder of the Daily Caller paved the way for his successful transition to television. However, his departure from Fox News in 2023 marked the end of an era, with the network citing a need for change following backlash over false election claims.
Leading up to his departure from Fox News, internal correspondence revealed tensions between Carlson and the network over their coverage of the 2020 election. Text messages from Carlson expressing disdain for Trump and the Stop the Steal movement were leaked, causing embarrassment for the network. The decision to part ways with Carlson came after a legal settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, further tarnishing his reputation.
Tucker Carlson’s speech at the Republican National Convention was met with enthusiasm from his supporters, but his absence from CNN and MSNBC underscores the partisan divide in media coverage. Despite his controversial past, Carlson remains a polarizing figure in American politics, with a loyal following and a history of provocative statements. As he continues to navigate the media landscape, Carlson’s influence and impact will be closely watched by both supporters and detractors alike.