Analysis of the Tucker Carlson - Vladimir Putin nothingburger, pointless interview.

20240209

Nothing anybody should have been scared of. All it does is give Putin an opportunity to act as if he is human. We already knew he could do that.

Robert Malone has posted this unauthorized release on his web site. I had seen it and written this response but didn’t want to post it until it was official. What the heck. It’s bedtime for me - the interview will be in the middle of the night. Here are Tucker and Vladimir, with my comments marked by the purple bars.

TUCKER: What would you tell the people running America?

PUTIN: Our message is Russia is not your enemy. We don’t want war. We’re ready for peace. Your leaders seek conflict. This is not what we want. Russia stands for its own people. We do not want what is not ours.

Tucker passes on the opportunity to ask the obvious question – what is yours?  How is Ukraine yours?

TUCKER: Would you visit Washington?

PUTIN: Yes, of course. I’ve been to the United States Before. I enjoy visiting and have met with every president except Joe Biden. If invited I would go. Yes.

TUCKER: What is your opinion of President Biden?

PUTIN: We’re convinced he is not running the country. Let’s say we have good sources that confirm that but it’s plain for anyone to see for themselves. The US has now entered into a dark period. It has unaccountable leadership.

I certainly agree with us. Russia is famous for its spy networks. I'm sure that they know as well.

TUCKER: Do you think Joe Biden won fair and square?

PUTIN: I would rather not get into domestic American politics but will say my embassy reported your southern border was better run than that 2020 election. (chuckles)

I cannot argue with this either.

TUCKER: One poll in America shows you more popular than Biden – any reaction?

PUTIN: (laughs) I don’t know if that should be taken seriously but Russian ideals have support. We believe in traditional values; marriage is between a man and a woman: men are men and women are women.

Putin is playing for the American public. I am with him.

TUCKER: Who would you like to see as the next president of the United States?

PUTIN: Once again it is not for us to say or get involved. Contrary to longstanding accusations we do not meddle in your elections. We don’t need to because the same people end up running things anyway.

I accept this at face value. I do not think that there is much evidence that they meddled in the 2016 or 2020 election. I agree that the same people wind up one it running things anyhow.

TUCKER: Why did you invade Ukraine?

PUTIN: Did we invade or were we invaded? Look at the history. Look at the people living there. Historically it’s we who were invaded and are simply fighting back now. The lands and people are Russian and we will have again what was always ours.

This is obviously not true. Once again, Tucker does not ask the obvious question. Why does he think so?

TUCKER: How will you feel if Trump won again?

PUTIN: We had good relations when Mr. Trump was president. There was no war. Our relations were at a high point. That said nothing is predictable or stays the same. We will have to see.

This is kind of a nonanswer. Of course there was no war because Putin had not started it.

TUCKER: What do you think of Mr. Zelensky and what would be your message to him?

PUTIN: I remember laughing to his jokes when he was a comedian in Russia. Let’s go back to laughs.

TUCKER: Why is that?

PUTIN: There are strong financial entities in whose interest it is to keep us as adversaries. One of your presidents warned against that. We Russians do not have that problem.

He is referring to Eisenhower and the military-industrial complex. It is twisting the truth to say it is in their interest to keep Russia as an adversary. Actually, when Russia disappears as an adversary it will not be good for business. They are making hay while the sun shines. And not that much even at that. Biden has not gotten the budget that he wanted.

TUCKER: Do you see the United States as an enemy?

PUTIN: No. Categorically no. We were allies in WWII. Russians helped settle Alaska, California and we were in Hawaii too. Our people are not enemies but those in DC are certainly not our friends.

This is a diplomatic answer. And he is right the neocons are certainly not his friends.

TUCKER: Can you be more specific and name names?

PUTIN: It would be pointless. It is not up to us to solve your domestic issues. Besides, I’m sure you know the names better than us.

A diplomatic dodge.

TUCKER: So are you saying your adversary is not Joe Biden but the people behind him?

PUTIN: Exactly. Joe Biden may not even be aware of what’s going on. He may not understand the level of sanctions thrown at Russia. Who put those sanctions together? Those are our the adversaries.

Absolutely true. But Putin ignores the fact that the sanctions came for the most part after the war, not before.

TUCKER: Is that why you are championing the BRICS?

Tucker once again fails to follow through. This is a softball interview.

PUTIN: The BRICS would exist anyway. It’s a natural reaction to the western trading block. It’s a counterweight. When the dollar is weaponized against states there will be a natural alternative to it. That’s what we want.

This is true. The dollar's status as a reserve currency has been disadvantageous to a great many countries.

TUCKER: Is that why you and Russia have been targeted?

PUTIN: It’s more complicated than that but I’m sure it’s a good part of the reason. Whenever the dollar is endangered, the United States takes extreme measures. It cannot afford to have the dollar fail.

Here Putin is wrong. He is targeted because he started a war.

TUCKER: But isn’t Russia weaker and more vulnerable economically than the US?

PUTIN: When you look at the size of economies we are small. But few people take into account our vast natural resources. Russia has over $80 trillion in the ground. No country even comes close to us.

This is another sort of a nonanswer. Yes he has a lot of money in the ground.  So much that putting any figure on it is kind of meaningless. But at this point in time he needs Western technology to get out.

TUCKER: What is your opinion of President Biden?

PUTIN: We are convinced he is not running the country. Let’s say we have good sources that confirm that but it’s plain for anyone to see for themselves. The US has now entered into a dark period. It has unaccountable leadership.

He repeats that this is a dark period. Many of us agree with him.

TUCKER: OK. Point well taken but don’t you have the same issues in Russia.

I assume he is asking about unaccountable leadership. That would be Putin himself. And the circle of oligarchs around him.

PUTIN: Yes. To a degree. But in Russia those interests are more aligned with the thinking of the average Russian man on the street. In the United States, that is not the case. The elites have deserted you.

Putin's public stands on social issues such as the LGBT agenda certainly align better with the Russian people than those of the elites in the United States aligned with ours. The elites in the United States have indeed deserted the common man.

TUCKER: So who do you think is running the US then?

PUTIN: The same forces which have always run it. You may change presidents but you do not change those in real power. That is who we have to deal with. Joe Biden is just a facade for this power structure.

This is a diplomatic answer. In my opinion there has been a significant shift. The CIA, NSA, FBI, IRS, Federal Reserve, NIH and the leaders of the military seem to have gained power over the past couple of decades.

TUCKER: Thank you for sitting down with us. How is your health? There have been some rumors

So what?

PUTIN: I’m glad to talk to you and through you to the American people. I’m fine. I feel good. Given my years I’m in the best of health but father time.

TUCKER: There have been persistent reports you have cancer?

PUTIN: I assure you those rumors are false. If I had cancer and beat it I would share the good news and the cure with the world.

TUCKER: When you say some fear him are you saying Musk has enemies?

This looks like a non sequitur. It is something deleted from the interview?

PUTIN: It’s clear to see he has enemies within the United States – the way he was stripped of $50 billion in assets – we would call that being signaled out for special treatment. It’s unfair on the face of it.

Just like Putin pushed aside several of the mostly Jewish oligarchs who had acquired their power and money under Yeltsin, the American deep state seems to be pushing aside Elon Musk who is getting too big for his britches. But Putin makes a diplomatic, commonsense observation

TUCKER: Didn’t you fear Musk when he started supplying Ukraine with Starlink gear?

This doesn't seem like a serious question.  It is a lead-in to give some favorable flack for Musk.

PUTIN: If anyone seriously thinks a few internet dishes can defeat the might of Russia – well what can I say. But no, we did not fear or blame Mr. Musk. The government didn’t give him much choice.

This is a reasonable answer to a silly question

TUCKER: A lot has changed in the world. What’s your opinion of Elon Musk?

Why the focus on Elon Musk? Is this publicity for twitter/X?

PUTIN: We see Mr. Musk as a businessman – a highly successful one. He’s built a great fortune and a huge following. He’s a unique thinker with a force of personality who cannot be bought. Some fear that.

Musk is unpredictable. I expect he can be bought, but he cannot ALWAYS be bought. That's a problem. Most of the other American oligarchs are more eager to please the government.

TUCKER: Do you any advice for Elon?

PUTIN: I would say continue on. Do not be intimidated. But if the going ever gets too rough there is Russia. We would gladly open our doors to you. We have welcomed American businessmen before and would value someone of Mr. Musk’s caliber.

TUCKER: Let’s turn to Trump. First tell me how you feel about the current situation with the likelihood of him being reelected?

PUTIN: It would be a bit strange and out of order but we are well prepared. He has promised to end the fighting in Ukraine and we support that notion.

TUCKER: How could he end you end the war so fast?

PUTIN: For one thing he never insulted us. He has a great respect for Russia. We would start from a position of friendship and trust – then all problems are solvable. We could get it done. Trust me.

He would start from a position of naïveté and faith. But Trump could not solve the war unless he convinced Trump to make Zielinski give everything up.  Cave in.

Trust you Mr. Putin? Never!

TUCKER: Are you referring to Biden calling you a killer?

PUTIN: We have been the recipients of numerous insults and slurs going back a few generations of politicians. Mr. Trump was a refreshing break from that. He is very popular in Russia. Perhaps that won’t do him any good.

Biden is a stupid man, and not diplomatic.  But as Putin rightly says above, Biden is not running things.  So what?

TUCKER: Are you in any communication with Trump?

PUTIN: No. Of course not. But should he win again our lines of communication would open up instantly whereas right now we have no dialogue with President Biden.

This is surely an overstatement.  The countries have diplomatic representation.  It is simply that the US will not cave to Russia's insistence that the land it conquered belongs to Russia.

TUCKER: That’s shocking to me. No one from the White House has been in contact with you?

PUTIN: That’s right. No one has called since we congratulated Mr. Biden on his election victory. It’s puzzling to us that communications are colder now than during the Cold War.

This is a hot war.  A different situation.  And there are diplomatic exchanges, simply no agreement.  Putin wants what is not his.

TUCKER: How do you think the 2024 election will go?

Tucker again misses a chance to follow up.

PUTIN: We are just observing. It’s our responsibility to be vigilant since it will impact the world. We are hoping the election is carried out in a way where the results can be believed. In Russia we do not have mail in ballots.

This is a very appropriate dig at the United States.  A great many of us believe there was widespread cheating in the 2020 election.  Hence the harshness of the January 6 prosecution. 

TUCKER: Let’s turn to China. What is your relationship like?

PUTIN: President Xi and I are especially close. Russia and China are enjoying good relations as of now which is an obvious asset to us since they are one of our biggest energy partners. We will continue to be friends.

This is an overstatement.

TUCKER: There are accusations China has helped you in the war in Ukraine. Is that true?

Only somewhat true.  Not as much as Putin would have liked. Not like North Korea, for instance.

PUTIN: That is not something I can discuss. Let’s just say Russia isn’t an isolated power. That strategy has failed. We have more allies and trading partners now than before the war started.

TUCKER: Do you ever contemplate a situation where Russia and China may join forces against the United States?

PUTIN: Do you mean economically or militarily? I would say we want neither. It’s not in our interest to clash with the US because all sides would lose in such a conflict.

Diplomatic answer.

TUCKER: Speaking of conflicts, what is your take on the Gaza situation?

PUTIN: It is really unfortunate. The Palestinians are being devastated. Israel is acting in an unconstrained manner. It shows the terrible double standards in the world. Where are the sanctions on Israel?

Putin is aligning himself with the majority world opinion on this one.  A safe answer. 

TUCKER: Is Russia involved in any way especially through your alliance with Iran?

If so, we have not seen much evidence.

PUTIN: No. Of course not. We do not oppose the existence of Israel but at the same time we support the right of the Palestinians to self-determination. We want to be even-handed.

Good, diplomatic answer.

TUCKER: Are you following what’s happening on the US southern border?

Next few questions are easy for Putin.  Tucker is pushing his own agenda, one which in my opinion is shared by most Americans, especially those other than the elites.  This is Tucker using Putin as a foil to make points for Tucker.  Points which, by the way, I agree with.

PUTIN: Actually, yes. It’s part of my daily briefing. We Russians find it ironically amusing your Congress will spend billions protecting foreign borders but neglect it’s own. It’s quiet laughable but deadly.

Point for Mr. Putin.  It is indeed laughable.

TUCKER: Deadly? How do you mean that?

PUTIN: Deadly serious of course. People are dying daily crossing your border in an uncontrolled way. It is a free-for-all. The world hasn’t seen anything like it in the modern era – reckless for a country to throw itself wide open like that.

Absolutely right.

TUCKER: Is Russia taking advantage of the border situation in any way?

Why ask the question?  You know the answer, and it would not make any difference.

PUTIN: No. Why should we. We don’t have to do a thing. America is self-destructing. And as Napoleon said, don’t stand in the way of your enemy destroying themselves.

Right on, Vladimir.

TUCKER: So then you do see America as an enemy?

PUTIN: That was just a saying but the current administration is definitely not a friend.

TUCKER: Can that be changed?

PUTIN: That’s why you have elections.

TUCKER: Thank you again for continuing to engage with me on so many different topics. Can we get even more interesting so to speak?

PUTIN: For sure. I am open to most subjects.

TUCKER: Let’s touch on climate change. It’s still being pushed in the United States and Europe. What’s your position?

PUTIN: Humanity is not even a Type 1 civilization on the Kardashev scale. If we can’t harness the energy potential of the planet how can we control the climate?

Good answer.  Correct.  The Kardashev scale, BTW, is a kind of science-fiction projection of energy usage in the distant futre.  It is a big so what.  Neither Tucker nor you nor I could have been expected to be familiar with it.

TUCKER: Are you at least concerned?

PUTIN: I’m more concerned with real issues. Climate change is not one of them. The Earth does a fairly good job of regulating itself. And if Siberia gets a little warmer all the better. More farmland for Russia.

Right again.

TUCKER: But what would you tell the true believers who’re convinced we’re headed for disaster?

PUTIN: I’d tell them worrying about climate change is like complaining about the weather. If you don’t like the climate, move. If you are worried about the weather, get an umbrella.

Yes.  Easy question.

TUCKER: Along those lines, how do you see the transgender movement?

PUTIN: It’s interesting to me that all the things which use to be a target of blackmail are now badges of honor. In Russia there are no laws either way but we certainly do not force our children into it.

Good answer.  Tucker is pushing his own agenda here again.

TUCKER: Russia has been criticized for its ant gay laws and as being unfriendly to LGBTQ+.

PUTIN: We have laws which protect our children. And we do not drape our embassies in rainbow flags. That’s correct. Otherwise we do not interfere in the private lives of adult citizens.

Good!  The US has draped the embassy in Kyiv with the rainbow flag and plastered the Metro with HIV testing advertisements.  Paid for by USAID.  Not whatsoever the business of a foreign government.

TUCKER: Do you follow American sports? We are about to have the Super Bowl.

Softball and irrelevant.

PUTIN: In fact, yes. Russia is a great sporting nation. We hosted the Winter Olympics and the World Cup fairly recently. We like all sports.

TUCKER: What do you think of American football?

PUTIN: It’s an interesting sport. But why do you call it football when the ball is almost always played with the hands? It also seems needlessly violent at times.

TUCKER: That’s true. Will you be watching?

PUTIN: The game will not be shown in Russia.

TUCKER: So you won’t get to see Taylor Swift either then?

PUTIN: No. We have been given a reprieve.

TUCKER: Thank you President Putin for your time.

So it ends.