We’ve come to expect unusual antics from former President Donald Trump, but skipping the Republican primary debates for an interview with Tucker Carlson is a bold move, even for him.
It’s not shocking that the leading contender for the Republican ticket and four-time indicted ex-president is opting out of sharing the stage with at least five other candidates.
He’s suggested as much for weeks now.
However, the decision to grant Carlson an intimate sit down on his new platform on “X” (formerly known as Twitter) in lieu of the debate, currently scheduled for August 23rd on Fox News, is really giving the middle finger to the GOP establishment.
A report from the New York Times, the first to break the news, stated Fox News executives and personalities have been lobbying the former president, both publicly and privately, to participate in the debate. But Mr. Trump has been openly attacking Fox and has privately vented his animosity toward the chairman of Fox Corporation, Rupert Murdoch.
It’s a bit of a one-two punch to Fox, given it is Carlson’s ex-employer and is currently still embroiled in a legal battle over its former host’s contract.
The Men People Love to Hate
Nothing will appeal to Trump’s base more than an interview with the beloved news personality who would sometimes go rogue on the popular conservative cable news network, offering controversial opinions, even for Fox.
Such opinions included things like the United States funded secret biolabs in Ukraine. And that maybe the COVID vaccinations were not exactly “safe and effective.”
Two of the country’s favorite outsiders draw formidable audiences and will likely steal a lot of viewers from what should be a widely watched debate if the two programs air simultaneously.
Even if they don’t, it’s a wily move on behalf of two men who people both love and love to hate.
No doubt the matchup will attract voters and non-voters alike from both sides of the aisle. It’s like a car accident – people can’t help but look.
Trump’s Being Donald Trump
On Friday, on Truth Social, Trump posted a rather incoherent message, something that is becoming somewhat of a habit for the ex-president as his legal pressures continue to mount.
“Many people are asking whether or not I will be doing the DEBATES? ALL AMERICANS have been clamoring for a President of extremely High Intelligence. As everyone is aware, my Poll numbers, over a ‘wonderful’ field of Republican candidates, are extraordinary. In fact, I am leading the runner up, whoever that may now be, by more than 50 Points. Reagan didn’t do it, and neither did others. People know my Record, one of the BEST EVER, so why would I Debate? I’M YOUR MAN. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Clearly, he’s suggesting that the primary debates are not in his immediate future, but the rhetoric is annoying.
I suppose I should be used to it by now, but every time I have the slightest inclination to support Trump – considering the Democratic alternative – he posts something like this.
It’s as if he feels entitled to the position of the highest office in the nation. He seems to forget even if he sweeps the primaries, he still has to win a general election.
As Ron DeSantis said in an interview with Megyn Kelly last month, “We’re a republic, we’re not a monarchy. It’s nobody’s turn.”
Some days I wake up and, considering the den of thieves currently residing in the White House, I cheer Trump’s gangster approach.
Other days, he’s just too exhausting and I wish he would disappear.
Then again, I think that’s the point because either way, he’s not going anywhere.
Jennifer Galardi is the politics and culture editor and opinion writer for 19FortyFive.com. She has a Master’s in Public Policy from Pepperdine University and produces and hosts the podcast Connection with conversations that address health, culture, politics, and policy. In a previous life, she wrote for publications in the health, fitness, and nutrition space. In addition, her pieces have been published in the Epoch Times and Pepperdine Policy Review. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
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