According to Breitbart, Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News anchor who was recently ousted, is exploring the possibility of hosting Republican candidate forums and has even spoken with former President Donald Trump about the idea. According to reports, Carlson’s team has discussed the possibility of hosting a forum outside of the traditional GOP primary debate system, which would challenge the role that major television networks typically play in the process. The move could also loosen the Republican National Committee’s control over the debates.
Carlson’s interest in hosting the forums comes as he receives calls from various networks interested in employing his services, including Trinity Broadcast Network, One America News Network, and Newsmax. The latter has reportedly made a stronger pitch to Carlson, with Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy even suggesting that the network could be rebranded under Carlson’s name. This idea has reportedly piqued Carlson’s interest.
Carlson and his team have discussed the possibility of moderating a candidate forum outside of the traditional protocols surrounding the GOP primary debate system, according to two people familiar with the considerations. These people said the setup — as well as Carlson’s availability to take on that kind of role, given the noncompete constraints of his contract with Fox — remain unclear. But Carlson has personally expressed enthusiasm about the idea, according to people familiar with his comments. At least one major candidate — Trump — has told Carlson he’s interested, according to a person familiar with the exchange.
The former Fox host’s interest in a debate is said to stem in part from its potential to loosen the Republican National Committee’s grip on the process, as well as to challenge the role traditionally played by the major television networks. “He could go straight to the candidates, stream it live, invite the networks but maintain control over the process,” said one person familiar with the discussions.
However, Carlson’s contract status with Fox News remains a potential obstacle to his immediate professional moves. As of now, Fox News plans to pay out Carlson’s contract and keep him on the sidelines through the 2024 elections, according to a source close to Fox News senior executives. Despite the blowback the network has received for Carlson’s departure, which many believe was a misstep for Rupert Murdoch, Fox News seems determined to stick to their current plan.
It remains to be seen how Carlson’s interest in hosting candidate forums will play out, but it is clear that he is considering his options outside of his former employer, and his popularity and influence in the conservative media sphere suggest that he may have success in any new endeavors he takes on.
