Tucker Carlson’s discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin gained significant focus. However, I was particularly struck by Carlson’s response to his inaugural trip to Moscow. It wasn’t simply admiration; it left him transformed and outraged towards his own government. Let’s start by addressing the evident fact that in Moscow, expressing criticism towards the government can result in imprisonment or even death, occasionally both.
Tucker Carlson and the Populist Right: A Shared Disdain for American Greatness
In Dubai, not long after the interview, Carlson presented a strange mixture of claims. He believed that the architecture, cuisine, and customer service in Moscow surpassed that of any American city. Is that really true? Moscow, apart from a small historic area, mostly consists of dull Soviet-era concrete buildings. Although the food in Moscow can be enjoyable, is it truly superior to that of New York or San Francisco? You should explore more, Tucker!
Many of his criticisms were unfounded. He complimented Moscow, claiming it is among several “amazing places to reside” due to Russia’s alleged lack of “out-of-control inflation,” unlike the United States. However, according to data provided by the Russian government last month, the country’s inflation rate was actually 7.4 percent, nearly two and a half times higher than that of the United States. This explains why interest rates in Russia currently stand at 16 percent, approximately three times higher than those in the United States.
The Populist Right’s Dislike of What Makes America Great: A Case Study of Tucker Carlson
In a brief video clip filmed in Moscow, Carlson visits a nearby supermarket and is astounded by the significantly lower prices of groceries that can sustain a Russian family for a week, in comparison to similar items in the United States. This greatly angered him. However, it should be noted that Russia has a per capita GDP of approximately $15,000, while America’s per capita GDP is approximately $76,000. Consequently, goods tend to be more expensive in wealthier nations compared to poorer ones. It would be beneficial for Carlson to shop in Mexico, as he would also find much cheaper groceries there. This experience may lead him to develop a newfound respect for the Mexican government.
Carlson is in awe of the beauty and magnificence of a subway station, and believes that Moscow’s subway surpasses that of New York. This is because the stations in Moscow were constructed by Joseph Stalin at a significant cost to emphasize the superiority of Soviet Communism. On the other hand, New York’s subways were built and operated through various public-private partnerships, reflecting a more budget-conscious approach due to the influence of capitalism. It is a well-known fact that centralized autocracies possess the ability to allocate the entire resources of society towards constructing impressive projects that serve as displays of power. Following this line of thought, Tucker should visit Egypt’s pyramids and the Taj Mahal next, as they too are incredible sights to behold.
Tucker Carlson’s Disdain for American Greatness: A Reflection of the Populist Right
Carlson is discussing how the state of Russia reminds him of the current state of cities in the United States. He explains that he grew up in a country with cities like Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore, and Tokyo. Although he admires cities like New York, he believes that American cities are now deteriorating. In particular, he refers to his fond memories of New York in the 1970s, despite it being a city plagued by rampant crime, riots, and graffiti. The mismanagement of the city led it to almost declare bankruptcy in 1975. The 1977 blackout is also remembered for the widespread looting and crime it incited. As a result, a significant number of people left the city during that decade, causing real estate values to plummet.
San Francisco, like New York, was known for being a hub of hippies, drug use, porn, and radical experimentation during that time. The film “Dirty Harry” depicted the rampant urban crime in 1970s San Francisco. Presently, crime rates in New York and other large American cities have significantly decreased compared to the 80s and 90s.
Carlson expresses his admiration for cities like Tokyo, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. I have visited these cities multiple times, including some recent visits, and they are truly amazing in their unique ways. However, what stands out about all of them is that they are quite controlled and restrained, influenced by either authoritarian regimes or a culture that values conformity, or perhaps both.
Also Read: The World’s Most Relaxing City Break: Reykjavik, Iceland
The Populist Right’s Attack on American Greatness: Tucker Carlson as a Case Study
American cities are distinct from one another due to factors such as decentralization, diversity, and democracy. Urbanist Jane Jacobs believed that the best cities are those that develop from the ground up, seemingly anarchic yet organic, and ultimately surpassing the idealized plans of central authorities. American cities serve as expressions of democracy, where residents must negotiate differences and create harmonious ways of coexistence. This may result in a certain level of disorder, messiness, and chaos, but it is precisely these qualities that contribute to their vibrancy and innovative nature. Consequently, American cities have played a crucial role in establishing the United States as a global leader in areas such as economics, technology, culture, and power.
In the past, American conservatives used to admire the organic communities in the United States that were built on freedom and choice, with a grassroots approach rather than being controlled from the top. However, the new populist right now detests these urban areas, partly because of their rejection of modern democracy, which emphasizes diversity and variety. They are increasingly fascinated by the organized and disciplined systems found in dictatorships, populist authoritarian regimes, and absolute monarchies.
No matter what your opinion of Putin may be, it cannot be denied that he ensures the efficient operation of the subways.
