"More subversively, and probably unintentionally, the interview also deeply undermined the Biden Administration, by starkly contrasting our two leaders."
Knowing the history of how Putin came to power, I continue to believe that ultimately Putin is one of "them". That being said, the main takeaway from the interview was the deep contrast …
"More subversively, and probably unintentionally, the interview also deeply undermined the Biden Administration, by starkly contrasting our two leaders."
Knowing the history of how Putin came to power, I continue to believe that ultimately Putin is one of "them". That being said, the main takeaway from the interview was the deep contrast between Putin and Biden. Putin gave a history lesson. He talked about macroeconomics. He even shared his thoughts on the challenges of AI governance. Meanwhile, the current occupant of the White House probably can't name the VP.
I’m only halfway through the Putin interview, but I’m really struck by the difference between Putin and Biden. The difference is stark. It’s also really interesting to hear his perspective on some historical issues, different than how events were presented by US media at the time.
There is no doubt about Putin's intelligence and bona fides. He's highly educated including being fluent in German and, by all accounts (from my Russian wife) also in English, and rose to prominence within the ranks of the KGB.
That said, the circumstances that brought Putin to power in the late-90s, including the FSB bombing of an apartment complex in Ryazan that brought about the Second Chechen War and which cemented Putin's hold on power, long ago revealed him for what he is. Add to that targeted assassinations of prominent journalists - Anna Politkovskaya, one of the most prominent - and political opponents - Boris Nemtsov, for example - and oligarchs in the 25 years Putin has been in power.
Putin was right about the history, particularly following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He was also right about the West's betrayal of promises made to Russia such as James Baker's "not an inch further east" assurance about NATO expansion. He was also right about events in Ukraine following the Soviet Union's collapse, particularly Maidan in 2014 and all that ensued since.
However, he did not answer the questions about why Russia really launched the objectively pointless and disastrous SMO and how, really, the war will end. His constant talk of 'de-nazifaction' of Ukraine sounded like a manufactured pretext for launching a war against a people that the Russians otherwise regard as brethren.
The timing of the SMO and the salivating of neocons and warmongers about the prospect of World War III makes me deeply suspicious. Russia is lock-step with everyone else in pushing COVID shots and China-like digital surveillance. On top of that, Putin is still an oligarch and became wealthy like Roman Abramovich and others by exploiting his KGB ties and eliminating the competition.
I agree with you; there are only a *handful* of folks working the world over. And they are all playing the same game to keep the power. That handful only allow the agitators (WEF, Soros', Gates, etc.) to keep the world citizenry busy. And I truly believe the handful get their power source from one controlling it all. But he will only have that control as long as he is allowed to have that control. In other words, there is only a set time and then God will take action. And He laughs at the rulers of men's plan.
There is no doubt in my mind that all the chaos encircling the world is similar to the dark thing (darkness of evil) of the world of Camazotz.
I had an experience with the FSB the last time I was in Russia where I was interrogated by a guy straight out of a James Bond movie. To avoid any miscommunication, I answered the questions in English and the interrogator spoke Russian through a translator. It was evident by our interaction that he completely understood and spoke English. It was a power move.
Of course, he understands and speaks English fluently.
There were a few instances during this interview I was thinking, Putin thinks Tucker should be crushed like a bug. But Putin also realized the value of this platform to get his "truth" out there. Lightyears ahead of FJB in political skills.
I like Tucker Carlson but it was clear that the 'rules of engagement' were clearly set out. It's also clear that Tucker may have been intellectually intimidated by Putin, who is clearly a highly intelligent polymath. Lacking the Romanov bloodline, you don't become the de facto (if not de jure) 'Czar of Russia' without being smart, charismatic, and ruthless.
Putin clearly controlled the discussion and it was evident from the beginning that Tucker was on a tight leash. Tucker even wore a suit and business appropriate footwear. The Putin 'history primer' replete with dates was Putin's "I'm smarter than you" demonstration. The best Tucker was permitted to muster was a few Tucker-esque facial expressions. I am confident that Tucker would have got a few 'zingers' in if he was allowed to and didn't fear becoming Navalny's cellmate at Penal Colony No. 6.
Ultimately, they both got what they wanted out of the interview. I'm glad it happened regardless of what I may personally think of Putin.
Jeff covers the tone, Tucker was there not to convince conservatives but to sway fence sitters. And Putin has an election coming up in March.
But those who say he should not have invaded should ask themselves what Biden (or Trump) would do if China decided to amass troops, tanks, and missiles on the Mexican border.
And the rumored straw that broke the camel's back was a report Putin received that said that the Ukrainian biolabs across the border (35 of them, according to Victoria Nuland) were preparing deadly pathogens that targeted Russian/Slavic DNA specifically, and that they were capturing migratory birds to spread them when they flew north into Russia.
Putin certainly was not used to any interviewer he considered to be flippant as Tucker was at his first big laughing head-back guffhaw. A flash of anger in his face.
I noticed the Kremlin office decor. "All the world's a stage." All that gilding on dead white painted wood. Delicate feminine chairs. All very royal, Romanov - tzars. Putin has been living for decades as an anointed and untouchable tzar with endless yes-men, minions, servants, bodyguards and courtiers. It's a rare human living like that to deal as respectful equals with any critics or one he might consider a mere amusing or useful court jester as I feel he thought about Tucker.
I noticed that Putin started a few of his answers in English and then switched to Russian. I’ve read that he is fluent in English. It seems evident that he understood it perfectly and may even speak it well.
Thanks for your insight and reminder of who he is and how he came to power. He is a dangerous and ruthless man, all the more so because of his capabilities.
When speaking, it is always paramount to keep your audience in mind. I believe he had his Russian audience in mind which was the one audience he could address with his own voice in his native tongue.
Yes sir. It was quite interesting, Putin was definitely in control of the interview. I admire Tucker for doing it, but I’m not sure how much was gained by it, notoriety for Tucker, but no remarkable revelations. At least Tucker was smart enough to know that you “don’t poke the Bear”: our national leaders aren’t that smart.
If you read / listen to a few of these, you'll discover that Putin said nothing new to Carlson. In other words, Putin did not craft a speshul package of lies for Tucker's American audience. What Vlad said to Tucker is basically what he says to everyone.
You are mostly right - nothing new if you follow it. But the vast majority of US citizens don't follow it, and many millions do follow Tucker and many millions more will watch this interview.
This is correct just as you say. And it is vital to know this in that consistency of expression is important. Even more important is what Putin did not say but said in the past. And knowing that add a whole new tone of conciliation. (But also, the basic history was packaged into the interview, and in a nice way.)
My guess is that a war settlement is already being considered and negotiated. Putin is one of the greatest of political figures of all time, a very shrewd and precise negotiator ... and it will tell us a whole lot about where the United States goes from here. It is either a volt-face pivot or down the drain. This is indeed the point where history goes one way or another.
The link goes to an article published on January 29 of this year.
While the topic of the article delves into a topic not addressed in today’s discussion (close to 750 comments by the time I got here, so maybe somewhere it is addressed) pertinent to this thread is that this article supports your thesis that negotiations are already underway.
“Turkey established themselves as the neutral entity for future brokering negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.”
I agree with most of the article. And Sanctioning and SWIFT weaponization was the last straw for the Western Central Banking Cartel. Ever since that moment, advised against by Fed, something had to give and do so in a big way. Now it is all about saving the Franchise against further de-dollarization erosion. But the lead grey countries on the map will not cooperate. Why should they? After all, no one wants to be beaten up on a regular basis by the freaks who were running the Collective West clown show.
Milei and Argentina may be the first signal that grey map countries are not all totally grey. Central and South American business relations are very, very tightly integrated. And so, I am not sure entirely what will happen. But the business as usual for the USD is over and there will be as is already emerging, a new world financial money transaction system. And it may look a lot more like the old system before dollar transcendence before the outcomes of WWII changed everything.
I keep coming back to Putin's History Lesson. All that time was not spent by accident, without a purpose. And the United States saving face may involve large border changes, all at the expense of the Ukraine who will wish that they never did get in tight with the Americans and their tawdry little empire. Hell! Even the elite rulers who got themselves into to this fix might wish that they never heard of the word Ukraine.
Thinking that Russia could be collapsed is probably the biggest miscalculation to date of the 21st century.
Biden knows the V.P.! He gets to see him up close every morning in the bathroom mirror.
No, wait....I'm gettin' him confused with that other fella......ya know, the guy.....the Delaware Senator, um......Jim i think, i just had breakfast with him.....Jim Biden whatd'ya know! my brother Jim's the Vice President of Delaware! How'd he pull that off?!!?!? No Joke, musta gave a sack of cash to the right people! Oh well anyway,...... what's the question again?
So yesterday the counsel said the old fool was off the hook because he has dementia...but then the old fool had a press conference and declared "No No my brains are not oozing out my ears!!!". SO: isn't he saying he SHOULD be tried and jailed for his crimes?
Putin did an excellent job portraying Russia as a victim of modern Nazi terrorism and unethical political manipulation by American authorities especially.
Biden can’t even portray himself as competent…lol
How many taxpayer dollars have gone towards Biden’s adult diapers, 8 balls and ice cream cones laced with propofol?
Putin was correct about the west's betrayal following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He was also correct about Russia becoming a market economy and wanting to join the west politically and economically. However, people have forgotten how deeply corrupt Russia was, particularly during the Yeltsin years. All of the so-called 'oligarchs' including Putin, became wealthy by grabbing bits of Russia's economic infrastructure for themselves throughout the early '90s.
Western businesses attempted to engage in joint ventures with Russian companies only to find themselves paying 'taxes' to the Russian mafia. The Russian legal system was also corrupt and ineffectual so legal remedies did not exist. There's a great documentary called "Red Penguins" about the Pittsburgh Penguins organization's attempt at a joint venture with the Red Army team. The team was renamed the Russian Penguins. The whole thing ultimately fell apart due to rampant corruption.
The reason Putin originally was embraced by Russians was because he came across as a nationalist and a patriot who, among other things, was going to rid the country of corruption and restore it to greatness. I remember articles from that time comparing Putin to Reagan. Then came the FSB apartment bombing, the Second Chechen War, the laundry list of assassinations, the elimination of political opposition and independent media, Russia's unique response to COVID, and the SMO. The Russians I know are not as enamored as they once were.
All told, since the U.S. has leveraged its economy to China, the MIC needs another enemy. With Saddam long gone and the GWOT over, the only available candidates are Kim Jong Un in North Korea, the Iranian Mullahs, and Russia. Putin's SMO in Ukraine seemed to happen at an opportune time for everyone. Putin was right about who really controls the world. He is one of them, like Xi, and the people pulling Joe Biden's strings.
I don’t know enough Russian history, but I certainly don’t know almost any American history that is accurate enough to assess the significance of Putin’s statements.
The American history I was taught had much more heroism and patriotism woven into the stories. America was always the savior and rescuer.
"More subversively, and probably unintentionally, the interview also deeply undermined the Biden Administration, by starkly contrasting our two leaders."
Knowing the history of how Putin came to power, I continue to believe that ultimately Putin is one of "them". That being said, the main takeaway from the interview was the deep contrast between Putin and Biden. Putin gave a history lesson. He talked about macroeconomics. He even shared his thoughts on the challenges of AI governance. Meanwhile, the current occupant of the White House probably can't name the VP.
Great round-up, sir. Happy Friday.
I’m only halfway through the Putin interview, but I’m really struck by the difference between Putin and Biden. The difference is stark. It’s also really interesting to hear his perspective on some historical issues, different than how events were presented by US media at the time.
There is no doubt about Putin's intelligence and bona fides. He's highly educated including being fluent in German and, by all accounts (from my Russian wife) also in English, and rose to prominence within the ranks of the KGB.
That said, the circumstances that brought Putin to power in the late-90s, including the FSB bombing of an apartment complex in Ryazan that brought about the Second Chechen War and which cemented Putin's hold on power, long ago revealed him for what he is. Add to that targeted assassinations of prominent journalists - Anna Politkovskaya, one of the most prominent - and political opponents - Boris Nemtsov, for example - and oligarchs in the 25 years Putin has been in power.
Putin was right about the history, particularly following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He was also right about the West's betrayal of promises made to Russia such as James Baker's "not an inch further east" assurance about NATO expansion. He was also right about events in Ukraine following the Soviet Union's collapse, particularly Maidan in 2014 and all that ensued since.
However, he did not answer the questions about why Russia really launched the objectively pointless and disastrous SMO and how, really, the war will end. His constant talk of 'de-nazifaction' of Ukraine sounded like a manufactured pretext for launching a war against a people that the Russians otherwise regard as brethren.
The timing of the SMO and the salivating of neocons and warmongers about the prospect of World War III makes me deeply suspicious. Russia is lock-step with everyone else in pushing COVID shots and China-like digital surveillance. On top of that, Putin is still an oligarch and became wealthy like Roman Abramovich and others by exploiting his KGB ties and eliminating the competition.
Like I said, Putin is another one of "them".
I agree with you; there are only a *handful* of folks working the world over. And they are all playing the same game to keep the power. That handful only allow the agitators (WEF, Soros', Gates, etc.) to keep the world citizenry busy. And I truly believe the handful get their power source from one controlling it all. But he will only have that control as long as he is allowed to have that control. In other words, there is only a set time and then God will take action. And He laughs at the rulers of men's plan.
There is no doubt in my mind that all the chaos encircling the world is similar to the dark thing (darkness of evil) of the world of Camazotz.
Yessssss!!!!
I had wondered if Putin speaking in Russian and using a translator was a strategy instead of a necessity.
I had an experience with the FSB the last time I was in Russia where I was interrogated by a guy straight out of a James Bond movie. To avoid any miscommunication, I answered the questions in English and the interrogator spoke Russian through a translator. It was evident by our interaction that he completely understood and spoke English. It was a power move.
The creepy vibe Putin puts off is over the top.
Of course, he understands and speaks English fluently.
There were a few instances during this interview I was thinking, Putin thinks Tucker should be crushed like a bug. But Putin also realized the value of this platform to get his "truth" out there. Lightyears ahead of FJB in political skills.
I like Tucker Carlson but it was clear that the 'rules of engagement' were clearly set out. It's also clear that Tucker may have been intellectually intimidated by Putin, who is clearly a highly intelligent polymath. Lacking the Romanov bloodline, you don't become the de facto (if not de jure) 'Czar of Russia' without being smart, charismatic, and ruthless.
Putin clearly controlled the discussion and it was evident from the beginning that Tucker was on a tight leash. Tucker even wore a suit and business appropriate footwear. The Putin 'history primer' replete with dates was Putin's "I'm smarter than you" demonstration. The best Tucker was permitted to muster was a few Tucker-esque facial expressions. I am confident that Tucker would have got a few 'zingers' in if he was allowed to and didn't fear becoming Navalny's cellmate at Penal Colony No. 6.
Ultimately, they both got what they wanted out of the interview. I'm glad it happened regardless of what I may personally think of Putin.
Jeff covers the tone, Tucker was there not to convince conservatives but to sway fence sitters. And Putin has an election coming up in March.
But those who say he should not have invaded should ask themselves what Biden (or Trump) would do if China decided to amass troops, tanks, and missiles on the Mexican border.
And the rumored straw that broke the camel's back was a report Putin received that said that the Ukrainian biolabs across the border (35 of them, according to Victoria Nuland) were preparing deadly pathogens that targeted Russian/Slavic DNA specifically, and that they were capturing migratory birds to spread them when they flew north into Russia.
I dunno, I didn't think he appeared creepy at all. I do think he was amused by Tucker a few times.
Putin certainly was not used to any interviewer he considered to be flippant as Tucker was at his first big laughing head-back guffhaw. A flash of anger in his face.
I noticed the Kremlin office decor. "All the world's a stage." All that gilding on dead white painted wood. Delicate feminine chairs. All very royal, Romanov - tzars. Putin has been living for decades as an anointed and untouchable tzar with endless yes-men, minions, servants, bodyguards and courtiers. It's a rare human living like that to deal as respectful equals with any critics or one he might consider a mere amusing or useful court jester as I feel he thought about Tucker.
I think he wanted to speak Russian for his Russian audience.
Of course. We Americans are not always the center of the universe, even though we have long been led to think we are.
I noticed that Putin started a few of his answers in English and then switched to Russian. I’ve read that he is fluent in English. It seems evident that he understood it perfectly and may even speak it well.
Thanks for your insight and reminder of who he is and how he came to power. He is a dangerous and ruthless man, all the more so because of his capabilities.
When speaking, it is always paramount to keep your audience in mind. I believe he had his Russian audience in mind which was the one audience he could address with his own voice in his native tongue.
Yes sir. It was quite interesting, Putin was definitely in control of the interview. I admire Tucker for doing it, but I’m not sure how much was gained by it, notoriety for Tucker, but no remarkable revelations. At least Tucker was smart enough to know that you “don’t poke the Bear”: our national leaders aren’t that smart.
Great comment.
it probably works for him to have more time to get to the answers.
Exactly.
Covid shots are NON MRNA from my RUssian friends. still Bullshit but a less dangerous variety.
I hear he has made the deal w the WHite Hats, same with Musk.
TIME WILL TELL.
Straight up. The logical conclusion.
Yes. Even in light of knowing we took out Nord Stream. He did not dodge or hedge on that one bit.
Biden laughed at the interview...Yeltsin didn't even bother to show up and sent some other guy in his place!
Well done!
Thank you, sir. 🤣🤣🤣🤣❤️
Awsome, I’m still laughing.
Biden is not in charge. He doesn’t even know that he is a laughing stock of the world. He is only in office as a shield for the power brokers.
Look behind the screen. Look behind the Wizard of Oz.
Obama, clinton & bushes x 2 have all betrayed our country .
Putin's speeches over the past decade, both with English translated voices and English text, are available at http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts and also at https://www.miragenews.com/full-text-of-putin-state-of-nation-speech-21-951701/ ... There are other sources as well.
If you read / listen to a few of these, you'll discover that Putin said nothing new to Carlson. In other words, Putin did not craft a speshul package of lies for Tucker's American audience. What Vlad said to Tucker is basically what he says to everyone.
You are mostly right - nothing new if you follow it. But the vast majority of US citizens don't follow it, and many millions do follow Tucker and many millions more will watch this interview.
Correct. Tucker provided "authorization" for many folks to hear a POV usually reserved for us political junkies.
And that makes me smile - it's a good thing!
Imagine the product and impact if Tucker and Rogan were to collaborate on something!
Tucker , Rogan and Trump!
I would pay $500 to see them on the same stage! That would be a great time!
This is correct just as you say. And it is vital to know this in that consistency of expression is important. Even more important is what Putin did not say but said in the past. And knowing that add a whole new tone of conciliation. (But also, the basic history was packaged into the interview, and in a nice way.)
My guess is that a war settlement is already being considered and negotiated. Putin is one of the greatest of political figures of all time, a very shrewd and precise negotiator ... and it will tell us a whole lot about where the United States goes from here. It is either a volt-face pivot or down the drain. This is indeed the point where history goes one way or another.
The link goes to an article published on January 29 of this year.
While the topic of the article delves into a topic not addressed in today’s discussion (close to 750 comments by the time I got here, so maybe somewhere it is addressed) pertinent to this thread is that this article supports your thesis that negotiations are already underway.
“Turkey established themselves as the neutral entity for future brokering negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.”
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2024/01/29/the-broker-vladimir-putin-and-recep-tayyip-erdogan-schedule-meeting-in-turkey-next-month/
Thanks FM ... an excellent link.
I agree with most of the article. And Sanctioning and SWIFT weaponization was the last straw for the Western Central Banking Cartel. Ever since that moment, advised against by Fed, something had to give and do so in a big way. Now it is all about saving the Franchise against further de-dollarization erosion. But the lead grey countries on the map will not cooperate. Why should they? After all, no one wants to be beaten up on a regular basis by the freaks who were running the Collective West clown show.
Milei and Argentina may be the first signal that grey map countries are not all totally grey. Central and South American business relations are very, very tightly integrated. And so, I am not sure entirely what will happen. But the business as usual for the USD is over and there will be as is already emerging, a new world financial money transaction system. And it may look a lot more like the old system before dollar transcendence before the outcomes of WWII changed everything.
I keep coming back to Putin's History Lesson. All that time was not spent by accident, without a purpose. And the United States saving face may involve large border changes, all at the expense of the Ukraine who will wish that they never did get in tight with the Americans and their tawdry little empire. Hell! Even the elite rulers who got themselves into to this fix might wish that they never heard of the word Ukraine.
Thinking that Russia could be collapsed is probably the biggest miscalculation to date of the 21st century.
Didn’t he say this is nothing new?
Biden knows the V.P.! He gets to see him up close every morning in the bathroom mirror.
No, wait....I'm gettin' him confused with that other fella......ya know, the guy.....the Delaware Senator, um......Jim i think, i just had breakfast with him.....Jim Biden whatd'ya know! my brother Jim's the Vice President of Delaware! How'd he pull that off?!!?!? No Joke, musta gave a sack of cash to the right people! Oh well anyway,...... what's the question again?
So yesterday the counsel said the old fool was off the hook because he has dementia...but then the old fool had a press conference and declared "No No my brains are not oozing out my ears!!!". SO: isn't he saying he SHOULD be tried and jailed for his crimes?
Exactly, we need a redo. Joe says he is sharp as a tact, so, indicte.
You on 🔥
🤣🤣🤣
😂😂😂
Putin did an excellent job portraying Russia as a victim of modern Nazi terrorism and unethical political manipulation by American authorities especially.
Biden can’t even portray himself as competent…lol
How many taxpayer dollars have gone towards Biden’s adult diapers, 8 balls and ice cream cones laced with propofol?
Putin was correct about the west's betrayal following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He was also correct about Russia becoming a market economy and wanting to join the west politically and economically. However, people have forgotten how deeply corrupt Russia was, particularly during the Yeltsin years. All of the so-called 'oligarchs' including Putin, became wealthy by grabbing bits of Russia's economic infrastructure for themselves throughout the early '90s.
Western businesses attempted to engage in joint ventures with Russian companies only to find themselves paying 'taxes' to the Russian mafia. The Russian legal system was also corrupt and ineffectual so legal remedies did not exist. There's a great documentary called "Red Penguins" about the Pittsburgh Penguins organization's attempt at a joint venture with the Red Army team. The team was renamed the Russian Penguins. The whole thing ultimately fell apart due to rampant corruption.
The reason Putin originally was embraced by Russians was because he came across as a nationalist and a patriot who, among other things, was going to rid the country of corruption and restore it to greatness. I remember articles from that time comparing Putin to Reagan. Then came the FSB apartment bombing, the Second Chechen War, the laundry list of assassinations, the elimination of political opposition and independent media, Russia's unique response to COVID, and the SMO. The Russians I know are not as enamored as they once were.
All told, since the U.S. has leveraged its economy to China, the MIC needs another enemy. With Saddam long gone and the GWOT over, the only available candidates are Kim Jong Un in North Korea, the Iranian Mullahs, and Russia. Putin's SMO in Ukraine seemed to happen at an opportune time for everyone. Putin was right about who really controls the world. He is one of them, like Xi, and the people pulling Joe Biden's strings.
It’s time for America, to protect Americans, perhaps being an aware isolationist is the basic plan .
I don’t know enough Russian history, but I certainly don’t know almost any American history that is accurate enough to assess the significance of Putin’s statements.
The American history I was taught had much more heroism and patriotism woven into the stories. America was always the savior and rescuer.
The upstanding and dignified world police.
He saved Russia from economic collapse and from the west going in to buy it up. His concern is his country. and he has done a good job.
Gee do you think some journalist should have interviewed Hitler and compared him to Roosevelt?
No, I think some Russian journalist should interview Biden for 2 hours - and telecast it to the world.