The Right-Wing Media’s Putin Problem

By Kris Parker, September 12, 2022

More than six months of war in Ukraine has challenged orthodoxies across the political spectrum. On the American right, the war has exposed fissures within the Republican Party and among some allies in conservative media. A small but vocal group of influential figures in right wing media have been buying into the Russian government’s narrative on the war. Though their numbers are few, they provide a window into the right wing divide over Putin’s war.

Tucker the Cheerleader

As one of the most popular hosts on the most watched cable news network, Tucker Carlson is arguably the most influential right wing media figure in the United States today. His coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been controversial. From his comments in 2019 – “Why do I care what is going on in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia? I’m serious, Why shouldn’t I root for Russia? Which by the way I am,” – to asking his viewers on the eve of the invasion, “Why do Democrats want you to hate Putin? Has Putin shipped every middle class job in your town to Russia? Did he manufacture a worldwide pandemic that wrecked your business?. . .  Does he eat dogs?” – Carlson has consistently deflected criticism of the Russian President.

On the weeks following the February invasion, Carlson dedicated time to pushing  uncorroborated Russian claims that the U.S. was developing bioweapons in Ukraine. After Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland addressed the existence of research facilities during a Senate hearing in March, Carlson framed this as an admission of a bioweapons program, telling his viewers on March 10 that, “Once again, not for the first time, what had seemed like a nutty conspiracy theory turned out to be true.” To date, no evidence has been uncovered that supports the Russian claims that the U.S. was developing offensive bioweapons in Ukraine.

Building on this precedent, in May Carlson claimed that the Biden administration is supporting the Ukrainian government with military and financial aid solely as retribution for perceived Russian interference in the 2016 election, telling viewers that, “Democrats have convinced themselves that Russia stole the presidency, which rightfully belonged to Hillary Clinton, and they mean it when they say it, and that’s why they are taking us to war with Russia.”

Carlson’s commentary has not gone unnoticed. In March, Mother Jones reported that an allegedly leaked 12-page memo from the Kremlin to Russian media suggested utilizing clips of Carlson as much as possible to promote a narrative that the Russian government is only “protecting its interests and security” by invading Ukraine.

The Gang’s All Here

In addition to Carlson, a number of far right stalwarts, including former President Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Madison Cawthorn, Candace Owens, and Steve Bannon, have expressed sympathy for aspects of Russia’s position.

While they are undoubtedly influential among some right-leaning Americans, it’s unclear what effect, if any, these ideologues (Liz Cheney has described them as “the Putin wing of the G.O.P.”) will have on U.S. policy or the course of the war. While opposition to U.S. support of Ukraine in Congress has come primarily from Republican members, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has dismissed Republican supporters of Putin’s stance on Ukraine as “lonely voices” in the party. Congressional funding for military and humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian government has had consistent bi-partisan support. In addition, some prominent right wing media figures, such as Ben Shapiro and Bill O’Reilly, have taken stances critical of Russia.

As some right wing figures warm up to Russia, polls show  that most Americans remain hostile to Russia’s decision to launch a major war in Ukraine. Of course, that could change as the war continues. Another poll found partisan differences regarding figures who express sympathy for Putin, with conservatives less likely to disapprove.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered a deadly crisis with global consequences. Right wing figures like Carlson and the rest who not only fail to condemn an autocratic government waging a war of choice but actually express sympathy for the invader,  have made a bold bet. As midterm elections approach, and Ukraine forces continue to hold their own and, in some cases, drive back Russian forces, it remains to be seen if that bet will pay off.

Kris Parker is a journalist and photographer from the U.S. who is currently covering the war in Ukraine. He splits his time between New York and Ukraine.

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