Is it just an easy way to deflect from critics by blaming tucker? If tucker had actually asked tough questions would he have been arrested or something?
Tucker went in with the explicit purpose of bootlicking; there were never going to be tough questions asked. Perhaps Putin was genuinely surprised at how naked Tucker's sycophancy was, or perhaps Putin is just trying to make himself look more legitimate by being 'totally prepared for tough questions, no doubt, you guys!'
If Tucker had asked tough questions, the worst that would have happened is that the interview would have been cut short.
Seems like it. Then Putin can say "I'm ready to answer any difficult questions and tell you the whole truth! Carlson just decided not to ask difficult questions for some reason.... I'm totally super surprised...."
"Wow, I didn't realize he was just this genuine about his bootlicking!"
Is it just an easy way to deflect from critics by blaming tucker? If tucker had actually asked tough questions would he have been arrested or something?
Tucker went in with the explicit purpose of bootlicking; there were never going to be tough questions asked. Perhaps Putin was genuinely surprised at how naked Tucker's sycophancy was, or perhaps Putin is just trying to make himself look more legitimate by being 'totally prepared for tough questions, no doubt, you guys!'
If Tucker had asked tough questions, the worst that would have happened is that the interview would have been cut short.
Tucker thought he knew what he was getting himself into.
Tucker had absolutely no idea what he was getting himself into.
Seems like it. Then Putin can say "I'm ready to answer any difficult questions and tell you the whole truth! Carlson just decided not to ask difficult questions for some reason.... I'm totally super surprised...."