Tucker Carlson, the former primetime Fox News commentator, made his first public statement since parting ways with Fox News.
Carlson’s departure from the network sent shockwaves through the cable news world and the larger political arena.
Multiple theories have emerged regarding the nature of his departure.
Some analysts have pointed to Fox News’ recent record-setting $787 million settlement case with Dominion Voting Systems. Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California accused Carlson of perpetrating lies against Dominion Voting Systems.
“Don’t know for sure if the firing of Tucker Carlson is connected to the lies & accusations of voter fraud perpetrated by Fox News, Trump, & his sycophants against you, Dominion Voting Systems. Thank you for your fight and your lawsuit, you beat the hell out of them, bye-bye @Tucker Carlson!”
Others have suggested Carlson’s association with Christian rhetoric alienated owner and media magnate Rupert Murdoch.
“Did Rupert Murdoch fire Tucker because he talked about religion too much and was his ex-fiance’s favorite host?,” tweeted journalist Greg Price.
Further speculation pointed towards an ongoing lawsuit Carlson’s former booking staffer Abby Grossman levied against Carlson.
In the lawsuit, Grossman alleged inappropriate office behavior from Carlson, including photographs of Nancy Pelosi in a swimsuit in Carlson’s Manhattan filming set.
Observers noted that Fox’s replacement for Carlson’s show lagged behind Carlson’s ratings by a significant amount, including in the key 25-54-year-old demographic.
“Fox News suffered a catastrophic drop in viewers after ousting Tucker Carlson. In the 8pm slot alone yesterday, Fox lost nearly 50% of total viewers and nearly 70% of viewers in demo compared to last Tuesday,” tweeted Sean Davis, CEO and cofounder of The Federalist.
Several conservative media outlets are attempting to capitalize on the departure. Carlson fielded a formal offer to join One America News Network (OANN) and another more speculative offer from Glenn Beck.
OANN CEO Rob Herring told the Times of San Diego that he was willing to extend Carlson a $25 million annual offer to join the rival to Fox News.
“It would be great if we could get Tucker! I might give him around $25 million. And he would be well worth that!” Herring said.
Glenn Beck said that if Tucker joined his network, they would form a powerful partnership.
“We would love to have you here. You won’t miss a beat. And together, the two of us will tear it up. Just tear it up,” Beck said.
Still, Carlson remained silent until he posted a video message to his Twitter account Wednesday evening.
“Good evening, this is Tucker Carlson,” Carlson opened in a similar style to his former show’s introduction, this time leaving out his signature, “and this is Tucker Carlson Tonight.”
Carlson expressed gratitude for people who have reached out to him in the days since his departure from Fox.
“One of the first things you realize, when you step out of the noise for a few days, is how many genuinely nice people there are,” Carlson said.
He continued to criticize cable television’s business model.
“The other thing you notice when you take a little time off is how unbelievably stupid most of the debates you see on television are. They’re completely irrelevant. They mean nothing. In five years, we won’t even remember that we had them. Trust me, as someone who has participated,” Carlson said.
He then called for news coverage that focuses on macro issues.
“And yet, at the same time, and this is amazing, the undeniably big topics that will define our future get virtually no discussion at all. War, civil liberties, emerging science, demographic change, corporate power, natural resources. When was the last time you heard a legitimate debate about any of those issues?” Carlson questioned.
Tucker capped his video by levying a veiled criticism of Fox News and hinting at more appearances soon.
“Where can you still find Americans saying true things? There aren’t many places left but there are some but that’s enough. As long as you can hear the words there is hope. See you soon,” Carlson concluded.