Fox News ratings leader Tucker Carlson had to know that sooner or later he was going to be publically put on the spot about whether he’ll endorse Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Carlson made complimentary comments about both, but whom does he prefer?
Ah, you have to continue reading to find out — or what the watch the short video, below.
Anyway, the inevitable moment came during his Saturday appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona. In response to a question from an audience member who asked, “Who are you going to support, President Trump or Ron DeSantis?”, Carlson initially laughed, jokingly asking: “Who cares what I think?”
Apparently, a lot of people, given “Tucker Carlson Tonight” continued its reign as the highest-rated program in cable news in the 25-54 demo, averaging 3.2 million viewers and 468,000 in the demo, as well as 295,000 in the 18-49 category for the quarter that ended on September 30.
Carlson suggested that making a choice between the two top contenders for the Republican nomination is a tough choice, as he praised both guys. First, DeSantis — about whom Carlson said he’s seeing things he’s never before seen:
I spend a lot of time in Florida, and I think Ron DeSantis has done an unbelievable job. And I mean that. I don’t know DeSantis that well, but let me put it this way — people move to Florida because he’s the governor.
I’ve lived in a lot of states. I grew up in California. I’ve lived in D.C., Rhode Island, Arkansas. I’ve lived in this country for over 50 years. I know it pretty well, and I’ve never lived in a state where people at dinner are like, ‘I’m really glad we have our governor.’
And what about Trump, with whom DeSantis has spent personal and recreational time?
I actually love Donald Trump, as a guy. He’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever talked to in my life.
The primetime TV host acknowledged that “there are plenty of things to criticize about Trump” but shot down “lies” about Trump’s character.
They always tell the opposite of the truth. Trump is totally charming and engaging and fun and interesting.
Far be from me to call out Tucker Carlson, but “character” is defined by far more than “engaging, fun, and interesting,” including integrity, lack of self-centeredness, and making decisions for the common cause, vs. for one’s self. Skewer away if you’re so inclined, but character is the fundamental essence of one’s being.
Tucker Carlson asked to choose between Trump and DeSantispic.twitter.com/g6tOCKhdSN
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) December 18, 2022
Incidentally, as reported by my colleague Bob Hoge, during Carlson’s speech before the Turning Point USA conference, he focused on spirituality, faith, and cheerfulness, perhaps feeling it best to avoid politics.
Anyway, Carlson not only predicted a “cliffhanger,” but a cliffhanger that is not going to “go well.”
At this point, it does seem like two forces are moving toward one another at high speed, and how could that go well? I am completely comfortable putting my total ignorance on full and florid display and telling you, ‘I have no freaking idea.’
Translation: Tucker Carlson is way too smart to put his reputation — or viewership — on the line by endorsing Trump over DeSantis or vice versa. Why should he? That said, I gotta believe that deep down inside, Carlson knows Trump is the past and Desantis is the future.
How do I know? I have no freaking idea.
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