From the FT: Gideon Rachman – How Tucker Carlson became Putin’s useful idiot

In a peculiar encounter, journalist Tucker Carlson's recent interview with Vladimir Putin revealed a shared agenda against common enemies. While Carlson sought Putin's validation on issues like American democracy and cultural values, the Russian leader, in turn, strategically engaged with far-right ideologies prevalent in the US. Despite divergent views, both men harbour a disdain for "woke" liberalism and share allies like Viktor Orbán. This odd alliance underscores their concerted efforts to influence the US political landscape and shape the narrative on issues like immigration and global alliances.

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By Gideon Rachman

The American TV host and the Russian leader have enemies in common

A century has now passed since the death of Lenin in January 1924. But "useful idiots" — the term usually attributed to Lenin — are still making the trek to the Kremlin to broadcast Russia's message back to the west. The latest in this long line of credulous foreigners is Tucker Carlson, a self-styled journalist, whose interview with Vladimir Putin was broadcast earlier this week.

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