Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton didn't mince words in a recent MSNBC interview when discussing Tucker Carlson's upcoming interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Clinton labeled Carlson a "useful idiot" and compared him to a "puppy dog" while suggesting that his future in media could involve a "contract with a Russian outlet."
The interview, set to be the first by an American media figure with Putin since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has sparked controversy and criticism. During the interview, anchor Alex Wagner asked Clinton about the implications of Carlson's actions for himself, right-wing media, and Putin.
Clinton expressed her perspective on Carlson, stating:
“Well, it shows me what I think we’ve all known: he’s what’s called a ‘useful idiot. I mean, if you actually read translations of what’s being said on Russian media, they make fun of him. I mean, he’s like a puppy dog.”
"After having been fired from so many outlets in the United States, I would not be surprised if he emerges with a contract with a Russian outlet because he is a useful idiot."
“He says things that are not true, he parrots Vlamidir Putin’s pack of lies about Ukraine. So, I don’t see why Putin wouldn't give him an interview.”
You can hear what she said in the video below.
Many echoed Clinton's criticisms of Carlson.
The idea of a one-on-one interview between Putin and Carlson has been a topic of interest for Russian state media, with Carlson expressing support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine during a 2019 episode of his now defunct Fox show.
Carlson said his interview with Putin will be broadcast on Thursday at 6 p.m. EST. The announcement comes at a crucial time when a bill to allocate significant aid to Ukraine is making its way through Congress.
This marks Putin's first formal interview with a Western media figure since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, despite numerous requests from various news outlets.
The interview, which took place on Tuesday, received confirmation from Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov. Carlson had been in Moscow for several days, with Russian state media offering a comprehensive overview of his visit, increasing anticipation for a potential interview.
Carlson officially acknowledged the interview on Tuesday night in a video shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The interview's timing aligns with significant events in the Ukraine war, where Congressional delays are impeding American aid to Kyiv.
On Wednesday, the Senate concluded its session without advancing an aid package for Ukraine and Israel, as Republicans obstructed a compromise that aimed to link the aid to rigorous border security measures. On Thursday, a stand-alone $95 billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan passed the U.S. Senate 67-32. It faces an uncertain fate in the U.S. House.
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