Without glossing over his mistakes and freely sharing his regrets, Tucker shares his thoughts and feelings openly, these often feeling like stream of consciousness ideas are woven throughout as Moore brings out tidbits of information and background on Tucker throughout the entire book. It was a somewhat bittersweet read, I’ve been a huge fan for years, but there’s a sophomoric side to Tucker that lacked class and was disappointing as well.
Whether you think Tucker Carlson is brilliant or a bombastic buffoon, scholar or showman, insightful iconoclast or shortsighted grifter, you might consider reading Moore’s biography. Will this book help you determine if Tucker is sincere or a snake oil salesman, a sage or simpleton? The book is an opportunity to form a better informed opinion of one of the most influential people in today’s marketplace of ideas.
Carlson has been labeled a racist, bigot, and homophobe. It could be a calculated ploy or something otherwise, but it’s telling that Tucker allowed Chadwick Moore the opportunity to write this bio considering Moore is an openly gay man. Tucker's longtime TV producer, Wells, also is gay, and the book goes to great lengths to expound on Well's "marriage" and the close working relationship Tucker shares with Wells.
To have an honest critique of the man, don’t just hate a caricatures of Tucker, that is immature. Moore is no Walter Isaacson or Ron Chernow but he’s good enough for what he does here.
What Moore does here is give a background into Tucker you probably haven’t been exposed to. Charmed or privileged, you decide. He definitely had opportunities many do not, but he also worked hard to make the most of the advantages he received.
You learn about Carlson and the life that shaped him. From his mother abandoning him at a young age, to being raised by his permissive father, to growing up in California, to his educational background, you get an inside look at Tucker you won’t find anywhere else.
You might be surprised to read about his close friendship with Hunter Biden. His continued admiration of Rachel Maddow. Or his stint working at PBS. Or how he failed to graduate from college. Or his decision to abstain from alcohol after years of functional alcoholism. Or, that he doesn’t own a TV, wear deodorant, or socks.
Why should we all read this book? Carlson held record ratings on Fox, and his Twitter/X videos have had hundreds or millions of views. He is a lightning rod controversial subject, but he’s not without influence. Cultural differences aside, anyone with the audience capacity Carlson has should be looked into beyond one’s personal preferences.
Tucker Carlson is just about as polarizing is Donald Trump, but he seems to be way more interesting. As with any celebrity or public figure, you see a side of them they want you to see. I don’t doubt this book is promotional for the author and the subject, and you have to filter what you read, but even so I think this book holds value.
Fortunately the book isn’t presented as an idyllic gushy “oh look at perfect me” by any stretch. Even though I appreciated learning more about him, I lost some respect for Tucker while reading the book.
His gratuitous swearing seems juvenal. For someone who makes his living in communication, he should know swearing is lazy. I cringed at the repeated F bombs, not because I’m a prude but the repeated swearing felt so tacky, tasteless, and it simply lacked class. It seemed like a huge contradiction to the persona he tires to portray.
In the end, the book left me with mixed feelings. I like Tucker and his approach to current events. I didn't like everything he had to say or how he said it when he was being quoted in the book, which I guess is healthy, I'm a fan (still) but I'm not a follower.
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