Why Tucker Carlson is the Most Important Television Anchor in America

The Fox host's often contrarian views provide insight into the minds of millions of Americans

Tucker Carlson, host of "Tucker Carlson Tonight" on the Fox News Channel is an undoubtedly controversial figure whose name elicits strong reactions and opinions from across the political spectrum. His show, which airs during the 8 pm slot on the Fox News Channel, is a combination of raucous political debate and passionate, pointed commentary.The show, which began in 2017 following the exit of star Megyn Kelly, has been a ratings hit, much to the chagrin of Carlson's critics. Throughout his years on Fox News, he has been criticized roundly for his views regarding immigration and foreign policy. In December of 2018, Carlson received harsh criticism for comments he made regarding immigration into the United States. On his show, he lambasted the foreign policy of the United States, saying that while some individuals have a problem with increased immigration, the leaders of the United States do not care:

    "Instead, our leaders demand that you shut up and accept this. We have a moral obligation to admit the world's poor, they tell us, even if it makes our own country poorer and dirtier and more divided."

Following these comments, numerous advertisers, such as Red Lobster and Samsung, pulled their advertisements from his show, and he was harshly criticized for providing a dog whistle to fringe groups on the far right, such as white supremacists, for his comments. Critics suggested that his use of the word "dirtier" implied that he believed immigrants were inherently a less civilized and hygienic group of individuals. Carlson has denied this, saying he was talking about how mass immigration in specific areas can create dirty environments. More recently, in June of 2020, Carlson's comments on Black Lives Matter drew the ire of additional advertisers as well as his critics. In this commentary, he stated that Black Lives Matter was acting as a political group and that their mob-like mentality was destructive to institutions in the United States:

    "This may be a lot of things, this moment we are living through, but it is definitely not about black lives, and remember that when they come for you. And at this rate, they will."

Critics took this statement to mean that black individuals would be coming for law-abiding Americans. Fox News, in a statement, said that Carlson's comments were referring to Democrats, not black Americans. T-Mobile, a high-profile advertiser, canceled future placements of ads on "Tucker Carlson Tonight," with CEO Mike Sievert tweeting, "Bye-bye, Tucker Carlson!"

    Despite advertising exits and public scrutiny, "Tucker Carlson Tonight" has maintained strong viewership, even improving on its television ratings. In April of 2020, he surpassed "Hannity" as the highest-rated prime time cable news show, with an average of 4.56 million viewers. However you may feel about Tucker Carlson and his television show, Tucker Carlson is undoubtedly the most important television anchor in America. The Fox host's often contrarian views provide insight into the minds of millions of Americans. His show, while controversial, provides a viewpoint that many Americans share regardless if some view this viewpoint as objectionable. Because of this, Tucker Carlson has maintained high viewership and high ratings. In viewing Twitter, there are many who want Tucker's show to be canceled. This is the wrong instinct. Carlson's opinions must not be silenced because it shows the rest of the public how a significant portion of our country thinks and feels. Without providing this viewpoint, there would be unrest, anger, and resentment, as those individuals would feel that their viewpoint is being silenced. Whether you are an employee at a large firm or a television anchor, opinions, however objectionable you may believe they are, should be heard, analyzed, and understood. This is not to say that all opinions should be aired on national television. It is to say that opinions that are shared by millions of Americans should be heard, especially in a show that is one of the highest-rated on cable news. As a society, we must reject the impulse to censor, and let free speech, be free speech. If not, we could bury opinions that could rise much later into anger, or worse, violence.