It should be no surprise that Donald Trump was the name on everyone’s lips after Wednesday’s Republican debate.
Opting to skip Milwaukee in favor of a sit-down conversation with Tucker Carlson on X, formerly known as Twitter, Trump’s relatively calm interview sparked a contrast to sparks that flew on Fox News.
On the face of it, the decision was a no-brainer.
Despite its rebranding, X remains the site where many viewers flock to express their opinions.
Plastered on every feed around the world, Trump’s interview on a site which once banned him was sure to be the ultimate talking point. And it was…
The Practicalities of Cable
If you wanted to watch the Republican debate, you had to watch it live on Fox News or on Fox Nation.
X, on the other hand, allows a video to remain online indefinitely and is arguably more user-friendly. I would argue it’s much easier for someone who missed the live broadcast to catch up in their own time, which X offers in an easier format to experience. Plus, it costs nothing besides an internet connection. Fox News is part of your cable tv package and Fox Nation is a subscription service.
As interviews go, it was hardly explosive. Carlson’s interview style, where he will quite often agree with his guest, can make for soft questions. At one point, Trump explained in detail how he had changed a regulation on the amount of water a washing machine can use. Mosquitos and wind turbines – the latter being a notorious enemy of Trump’s – were also on the agenda.
Subsequently, the Tucker on X program was tame compared to the two-hour slugfest many had witnessed on Fox News just minutes before.
Trump’s response to Tucker’s question over the likelihood of a civil war made for a more interesting conclusion than eight consecutive pre-prepared closing remarks, but, overall, it was far from blockbuster viewing.
Why Donald Trump’s Tucker Carlson Interview was ‘Pure Genius’
Ultimately, enjoyment is a subjective issue. If you’re interested in what Trump has to say, then you’ll likely enjoy the interview. If you detest Trump with a passion, it’s probably worth a miss.
What cannot be disputed, however, is the accessibility such a format provides. The interview can be viewed by anybody, not just Fox News subscribers, and can be viewed at any time.
It also works well for the former president, despite his now two-year abstinence on the social media site. Mike Pence had the most speaking time on Wednesday with nearly 12.5 minutes; Trump, on the contrary, had 46 relatively uninterrupted minutes. Trump is able to argue that he faced more scrutiny with Carlson than his competitors did in the debate, squashing critics that he avoided questioning.
Whether it was better in terms of content is subject to debate, but it’s hard to deny that of the two formats publishing online provides a far greater reach and insisting on cable. If more people can hear their candidates’ views, it makes for a better format.
And makes it seem like Donald Trump not only got the better of his GOP rivals on Wednesday night, but was also able to get his message out longer and to more people. That makes it a winner in my book.
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist based in Canada. He has written for the Western Standard, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo, and has covered notable events including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
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