A History Lesson on Tucker Carlson for Vice President J.D. Vance
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J.D. Vance won't criticize his friend Tucker Carlson. A 1930s radio priest's story shows exactly why that's a mistake.
Tucker Carlson can rightfully be identified as one of those most responsible for normalizing antisemitism in America today. He regularly uses his platform of over 30 million listeners to promote conspiracy theories and falsehoods against Israel and Jews.
Among his more shocking statements:
Carlson hosts antisemites and, using a "Just Asking" approach, lets his guests make antisemitic statements. He then defends himself by saying he didn't say anything. For example, he hosted white supremacist Nick Fuentes in October 2025. On the show, Fuentes claimed "organized Jewry" controls the world. Fuentes later posted a video saying, “Do us all a favor. We are done with the Jewish oligarchy. We are done with the slavish surrender to Israel, the wars, the foreign aid, the policing of antisemitism, the Holocaust religion and propaganda.” Carlson's response when questioned was to brush off Fuentes' comments, since he's "just a kid" who says "naughty things."
In light of Carlson’s dangerous message and enormous audience, Vice President J.D. Vance's refusal to call out Tucker Carlson for his bigotry is concerning. Vance’s statement, when questioned about Tucker Carlson, that “I’m not going to play the game where I throw friends under the bus because I have political disagreements with them," might be a good response on the playground, but for a leading politician to say that is downright dangerous.
J.D. Vance would do well to learn a lesson from another antisemite with a big audience, Father Coughlin.
Father Coughlin was a Catholic priest and one of the first public figures to see the power of radio broadcasts to influence others. In the 1930s, millions tuned in to his broadcast every Sunday. Like Carlson, his inflammatory remarks often drew criticism. When CBS asked him to tone down his remarks, he devoted the next episode to criticizing CBS for censorship, which only increased his audience. When CBS cut his contract, Coughlin started his own network, just as Carlson did after leaving Fox.
With his network now uncensored, Coughlin had the freedom to say anything he wanted. If he suggested it, Congress could be flooded with letters and telegrams on any issue. Many viewed him as America's most persuasive person.
As an antisemite, he used his platform to spread his ideas. He blamed Jews for communism and justified the Nazis for Kristallnacht, since that was what was needed to fight communism. As Carlson does regarding Iran, Coughlin accused Jews of planning World War II. More broadly, Coughlin strongly opposed America getting involved in World War II. As a public figure with a large audience and disproportionate influence, his isolationist policy had a strong impact on American opinion, keeping America out of the war until after Pearl Harbor.
Father Coughlin used his platform to blame Jews for communism, justified the Nazis for Kristallnacht and accused Jews of planning World War II.
The first lesson JD Vance can learn from Coughlin is that bigots with an audience can cause serious damage. Although Carlson defended himself after a controversial interview with Nick Fuentes by saying “he has no power except his words,” history shows words are powerful. Coughlin's words promoted antisemitic and isolationist policies that allowed the Holocaust to continue, and Carlson’s rhetoric today encourages antisemitism across America. A potential future President cannot keep a friend whose rhetoric hurts innocent people.
Initially, Father Coughlin strongly supported President Roosevelt. He saw Roosevelt as the country’s economic savior. Roosevelt welcomed the popular priest's support and worked to build their relationship. Coughlin was proud of his connection to the President and believed he could influence New Deal policies.
Yet when Coughlin felt Roosevelt's policies were not strong enough, he reversed his support and began to criticize the President vehemently. Similar to Carlson’s approach to President Trump, Coughlin claimed the President was controlled by Wall Street and Jewish conspirators.
Bigots do not make good friends or political supporters.
Which brings us to the second lesson Vice President Vance can learn from history: Sir Winston Churchill said, “Appeasement is feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last.” Not a very wise policy.
History has shown that bigots do not make good friends or political supporters. It is likely only a matter of time before Tucker Carlson throws J.D. Vance under the bus, as he did with President Trump.
If J.D. Vance truly cares about antisemitism and is opposed to bigotry and hatred, then the time has come for him to unequivocally call out Tucker Carlson and stand with those on the right side of history.
