Former assistant director for counterintelligence at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Frank Figliuzzi, has voiced his concerns about the recent interview between Russian President Vladimir Putin and right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson. Figliuzzi argues that Putin masterfully manipulated the interview to his advantage, and Carlson played right into his hands.
Figliuzzi, in an opinion piece for MSNBC, criticized the interview, stating that Putin, a former KGB officer, is skilled at manipulating events to achieve his desired outcomes. He suggested that Putin specifically chose Carlson for the interview because he knew Carlson would not challenge him. Figliuzzi wrote, “Putin wanted none of that. That’s essentially what Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Other Western news outlets have tried to interview Putin. The Kremlin chose Carlson because ‘he has a position that differs from the rest.'”
The former FBI agent also pointed out that Carlson failed to question Putin on several controversial topics, such as the treatment of political opponents and the rise of antisemitism in Russia. Figliuzzi argues that Carlson’s lack of critical questioning made him a “useful idiot,” a term often used to describe people vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.
Figliuzzi further suggests that the timing of the interview may be related to ongoing debates in the US Senate about providing further financial aid to Ukraine. Putin may have wanted to make his case to lawmakers who are undecided about the US’s role in Ukraine. Additionally, Putin’s hint at the possibility of negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine could be seen as a sign of Russia’s weakening position in the conflict.
During the interview, Putin stated that the fight in Ukraine would continue but clarified that Russia has no intention of expanding the conflict to other countries, including Poland and Latvia. He mentioned that Russia would only consider sending troops to Poland, a NATO member, if Poland were to attack Russia.
This is not the first time Carlson has faced criticism for his decision to interview Putin. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton referred to him as a “useful idiot” following the interview.
In conclusion, Figliuzzi’s analysis suggests that Putin effectively manipulated the interview with Carlson to his advantage, using Carlson’s lack of critical questioning to further his agenda. Figliuzzi’s concerns highlight the importance of challenging powerful figures and holding them accountable in interviews, especially when dealing with individuals like Putin, known for their manipulation tactics.
