I have 0 idea who has or hasnt weighed in on Tucker's Russia trip, I want that to be clear. I havent read, heard, or watched lefty media losing their minds over it, and that is simply because I havent looked for opinions on the matter.
I have no issue with Putin being interviewed by a journalist from the US. Others have tried to interview him and I wouldnt have had an issue then either.
But Carlson specifically?...yeah that guy is a clown and I am skeptical the content would be on par with actual journalists doing the interview.
You mention you dont know how much journalism Carlson actually does, and that brings up a huge point, which is one that in part shows why Carlson is now relegated to X for producing content(is he elsewhere now?...I dont know).
- Carlson is not a journalist. In 2020, his own lawyer/network argued in court that no 'reasonable viewer' would take Carlson seriously. The judge agreed with the premise and said that given Carlson's reputation, reasonable viewers have 'an appropriate amount of skepticism' about statements Carlson makes. info here
- Carlson is an entertainer who people look to for guidance on the latest outrage issue, regardless of accuracy or reality.
- Carlson is a large reason why FoxNews paid a record settlement for the lies that Carlson and others pushed about the 2020 election.
None of that was journalism. None of his 'just asking questions' is journalism.
Carlson is not a journalist because he has spent decades not being a journalist and instead being a commentator. When he has done 'investigative work', its been comically bad work like the j6 edited tapes debacle.
ETA- think about why Putin has refused to be interviewed by actual US journalists up to now, but granted Carlson access. Even Putin sees Carlson as a good opportunity to promote Putin's side of things.