MSNBC Conservative: Carlson Didn't Vote For Bush, May Not Support 2008 GOP Candidate

MSNBC-Tucker/NewsBusters ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

by Mark Finkelstein

September 1, 2006 - 16:49

During the course of a conversation with former Deputy Defense Secretary Jed Babbin on this afternoon's show, Tucker Carlson described himself as "a real conservative."

But it was just a few minutes earlier, chatting with New Republic editor-at-large Peter Beinart, that Carlson mentioned in passing that he hadn't supported President Bush for president in 2004.

When Carlson stated that he had been wrong to support the war in Iraq [and now opposes it], Beinart retorted:

"You've just made a statement which almost guarantees that you're going to have to support the Democratic candidate in 2008 because there's virtually no chance we're going to have a Republican candidate who says they were wrong to support the war in Iraq. So I congratulate you on flipping over to the other side."

Replied Carlson: "Well I doubt I'm going to support the Democratic candidate. Whether I'll support the Republican candidate is a whole separate question. I didn't last time, I may not this time."

Carlson is also on record as condemning Israel's recent attack on Hezbollah.

It's obviously possible to be a conservative without supporting George W. Bush. Conservatives rightly hold Bush's profligate spending against him, for starters. But since Carlson has told us whom he didn't vote for in 2004, perhaps he'd be willing to reveal whom he did support.

In any case, Carlson is clearly the kind of conservative MSNBC could love - one who doesn't support the incumbent Republican president and opposes the cornerstone of his foreign policy. It's the same phenomenon that explains Pat Buchanan's ubiquity on MSNBC.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Thanks Rob. He really did mention it in passing, but it sure caught my ear!

[I see my hands]

Kramer: He thinks you're a phony.

Jerry: He what?

Kramer: I told you, he thinks you're a phony.

Jerry: A phony? He called me a phony?

Kramer: A big phone. A big one.

[aimee5291]

Will you watch? should be fun..

[monkapotamus]

He predicted a Kerry '04 victory on TV right before the election too.

[Cold Heat]

Well, I'm a Republican and do not particularly agree with some Conservatives, but we make up the party.

If you want the democraps back in the saddle, then carry on....

Your unappeasable stances will not help the Conservative cause, and that is a fact.

You may not like the horse, but it is the only ride that will get you there.

[longtermmemmory]

No Ronnie Reagan Jr. is the dancer. (and jealous as heck of GWBush)

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

You never supported the war on terrorism/islamofascism, or you don't believe that Iraq is a theatre of that war?

I believe it is a theatre of that war but can make room for those who think it is not.

What I can't understand is people who don't think we are at war with islamofascism. I mean, if you're getting punched in the face, you're in a fight whether you want to admit it or not.

After Sept. 11 2001, America had to admit it was in a fight.

[jimbo123]

My wife is a big fan of the show so I'll probably watch until Emmit Smith gets the boot.

[okie01]

I really don't think Tucker Carlson is a "conservative".

What I think he is, instead, is gutless.

[winner3000]

Perfect response! I'm going to use that in my arguments with my friends about media bias...with your permission, of course!

[kesg]

In all seriousness, MSNBC is a joke. They try to be the anti-Fox News Channel. But they are only the anti of their caricature of FNC -- not FNC itself. They are utterly unwatchable.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

"Yes, I'm a conservative. I believe that if you forgo your principles and vote strictly for the party you have wasted your vote."

I hear you, and whole heartedly agree...

...in the primaries.

There was no clearer example of this than in 2000 and 2004. A President Gore or a President Kerry would be too horrible to contemplate given the challenges that events posted on us. And besides, the larger the margin of victory, the less distasteful horse-trading the President will have to do to get the essentials passed. If Bush had walked into office with Reagan's margins, he might (might!) have shown a little of Reagan's resolve on domestic issues. As it was, he was hobbled, so he compromised, and we have a larger government and more red ink as a consequence. But at least we're not all bowing to Mecca five times a day. Yet.

[NutCrackerBoy]

Ever notice the "Republicans" the MSM goes to in the name of balance? Carlson, who is primarily a Libertarian; Kevin Phillips who hates the Bush family; Buchanan who hates everybody; George Will with his silly bow tie and bazarre takes on the news; and David Gergen who served time as the house Republican in the Clinton White House; and don't forget David Brooks, the NYT's idea of an editorial page Republican. And they call this balance.

Regarding:
Pat Buchanan
George Will
David Brooks

None of the three above should be trumpeted as spokesmen for the conservative movement, but IMO they are all deserving of respect for insights related to conservatism.

David Gergen doesn't belong in this list. Dependably left-wing - when the MSM puts him on as some sort of Republican, it is sheer folly.

The MSM doesn't understand conservatism and doesn't want to try, but I have a funny feeling there is no pundit they could pick for "balance" that would make everyone happy.

[boomop1]

Then he is a loser's loser.

[Thebaddog]

He didn't vote for Bush. Betcha he voted for John Anderson the last time he voted.

[FreeRep]

Would MSNBC hire a true conservative? I think not.

[mcvey]

What the h*ll are you talking about?

[areafiftyone]

Do we REEEEALY care what Tucker Carlson Does?

[Ouderkirk]

A log cabin republican may be closer to the truth.

[AHWilde]

I have met *ucker on several occasions. The phrase "quick chip, small ram," was coined with him in mind.