The recent dialogue between Tucker Carlson, a prominent figure in American conservative media, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow has drawn an array of responses, with the conversation becoming a rich source for social media humor and meme creation.
In a comprehensive two-hour exchange, Putin provided a substantial historical rationale for the conflict with Ukraine. His narrative spanned from the inception of the Ryurik dynasty through to the disintegration of the Soviet Union. This deep dive into history was met with varying levels of reception, with some viewers finding it enlightening, while others saw it as a subject for satire.
Social media users, ever quick to find the lighter side, spun parts of the interview into memes. One such jest was a meme with the text “You up?” poking fun at the late-night timing of the interview from a Moscow perspective.
The prelude to the interview also became an internet talking point, particularly Putin’s sartorial choices, with online chatter focusing on his trousers. Blogger Uliana Yapparova tweeted a mock query to Carlson: “Who chooses your pants?” This playful banter about Putin’s wardrobe provided a humorous distraction from the more grave political narrative.
One meme wittily alluded to a well-known statement about Russia’s allies, suggesting Putin’s only friends were “Twix the Cat and Tucker Carlson.” This incorporated a reference to a recent Russian national incident where a cat named Twix was tragically thrown from a train and subsequently froze, becoming a symbol of national outrage.
Anton Pikuli, a Russian comedian, captured the essence of the interview’s dynamic with a meme representing Putin’s tendency to deflect direct questions with historical references. This demonstrated the surreal quality of the interview for many viewers.
Humor was also found in the notion of Carlson asking Putin about the “Soviet Onion,” a satirical question that British comedian Philomena Cunk might have posed, adding a whimsical element to the otherwise serious political interview.
The article also jests at Putin’s historical justification for the invasion of Ukraine, suggesting he could have traced back even further, perhaps to the dawn of the solar system or even the Big Bang, to find grounds for his actions.
In anticipation of the interview’s reception, a meme foretold the creation of a new celebratory day, “February 9 — Victory in the Information War Day,” reflecting the expected social media frenzy following the broadcast.
Beyond the comedic reactions, the interview’s substance raised questions about Carlson’s interview technique, noting his calm demeanor and the lack of pressing questions on Russia’s activities in Ukraine and Putin’s contentious comments.
Political analysts speculated on Putin’s strategic selection of Carlson for the interview, seeing it as a move to potentially sway the conservative factions within the Republican Party, especially in an election year.
Following the interview, Carlson reflected on the unexpected depth of Putin’s historical account, expressing his uncertainty about the nature of the interview and the Russian leader’s success in conveying his perspective, alluding to Putin’s enigmatic character.
Ultimately, the serious geopolitical discourse between Putin and Carlson was met with an undercurrent of humor online. The internet community engaged with various aspects of the interview, from Putin’s extensive historical narratives to his fashion sense, as well as Carlson’s interviewing approach, bringing a lighter tone to the intense geopolitical dialogue.
