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by Oliver Bateman

The prince of the American Right has become a court jester. Credit: Tucker Carlson/X

Whats old is new again. In a move that underscores his continued trajectory from traditional conservative pundit to voice of populist outrage to social media provocateur, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson is now interviewing figures on the periphery of credibility, such as manosphere influencer Andrew Tate and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. Tonight, hes taking it a step further by speaking to Larry Sinclair, a man notorious for making unverified claims that he engaged in a drug-fuelled sexual encounter with former president Barack Obama in 1999.

Carlson teased this forthcoming interview on X. The promo clip featured Sinclair rehashing an old story about giving Obama $250 for drugs before they had a sexual encounter. In a bold move, Carlson deemed Sinclairs account to be credible information that [Obama is] smoking crack and having sex with dudes providing his interviewee with the biggest platform of his career in the process. Yet Sinclairs allegations have never been substantiated. His credibility is further marred by a lengthy criminal record, which includes convictions related to forgery, fraud and larceny. He even once claimed to be terminally ill, likely as a strategy to have an arrest warrant dismissed.

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By choosing to interview Sinclair and resuscitating decade-old theories once peddled by Jerome Corsi, Carlson appears to be trading intellectual rigour for sensationalism.Although these topics may excite a certain faction on the Right, theyre fundamentally recycled and unimportant tales that reveal more about Carlsons willingness to capitalise on controversy than they do about the state of American politics.

The evolution of Carlson from a bridge between traditional Republican orthodoxy and the burgeoning populist Right to his current persona is both striking and indicative of the broader shifts within conservative media. Once wearing the bowtie of establishment conservatism, Carlson was a figure who could comfortably navigate the worlds of both policy wonks and grassroots activists. His critiques of globalism, immigration, and the liberal elites had elements that could resonate across party lines, opening up conversations that had bipartisan relevance.

However, this previous image of him as a political intermediary seems to be fading into the rearview mirror. In its place is a provocateur who increasingly trades in National Enquirer-style sensationalism. The change isnt just cosmetic, involving the occasional wearing of flannel shirts and working in a woodshop: it signals a shift in focus from presenting issues of legitimate public concern to resurrecting salacious tabloid stories that were debunked or broadly dismissed years ago. The line between respectable journalism and gossip-mongering has not just been blurred: for Carlson, it appears in danger of being completely erased.

Whats particularly interesting is how this transformation is received by his viewership. For the based Right a faction that appreciates audacity and often eschews political correctness Carlsons latest antics may be a welcome development (save for those who believe he is an op, discrediting fringe stories by presenting them in ridiculous ways).

But this new tack seems more like a play to the lowest common denominator than a genuine attempt to enlighten the public discourse. By choosing to air interviews with fringe figures peddling old, discredited rumours, Carlson no stranger to evolving to grow his brand is completely embracing commercially-oriented opportunism. Its a move designed to draw eyes and clicks, not to encourage serious reflection on the state of American society or its politics.

While the presenters shift may be personally profitable in the short term, one cannot help but feel pessimistic about the prospects for political discourse in general and populism in America specifically. Carlson, who presented himself as a peoples champion during the peak of his Fox-era celebrity, now seems to be a free agent more interested in chasing engagement by any means necessary.

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Tucker Carlson's Obama interview is a conspiracy too far - UnHerd

Tafari Campbell, who was the Obama familys personal chef, drowned accidentally more than a month ago. But conspiracy theories and rumors linger online that cast aspersions on the former president.

"Barack Obamas late chefs wife comes out to expose Obama family," a video caption on a Sept. 1 Facebook post says.

But the video doesnt address a supposed "exposure." In fact, it doesnt mention Campbell or his wife at all.

This post was flagged as part of Metas efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)

Rather than elaborating on the allegation that Campbells widow recently exposed the Obama family, the videos narrator delves into an old debunked claim that the late comedian, Joan Rivers, was killed after she made comments about former President Barack Obamas sexuality and former first lady Michelle Obamas gender identity.

Neither Obama was home when Campbell was seen July 23 struggling in the water while paddleboarding near the familys Martha Vineyards summer home off the Massachusetts coast.

The Massachusetts chief medical examiner ruled Campbells drowning death accidental.

We found no evidence or news reports that Campbells wife has exposed the family in any way or blamed the Obamas for her late husbands death.

On the Instagram account of her baking and catering business, she wrote July 25: "My heart is broken. My life and our familys life is forever changed. Please pray for our families as I deal with the loss of my husband."

We rate this post False.

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Tafari Campbells widow didnt expose the Obama family, contrary to ... - PolitiFact

September 06, 2023

Most recently, Jon Webb and esteemed alumni were selected for the prestigious Leaders USA program former President Barack Obama established.

Webb, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated from Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Recognizing his passion for public health, he furthered his education by obtaining a Master's in Public Health from George Washington University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

"I had strong parents and a grandmother who raised me." Jon Webb said. "They would talk to us about our responsibility to leave the world in a better place than we found it."

Throughout his academic journey, Webb displayed exceptional dedication and a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society.

"When I received a presidential scholarship to VUU, it sealed the deal; I was glad I made that decision," said Webb. "I made so many lifelong friendships; the learning I got there and the support from the faculty and staff helped develop me."

His unwavering commitment to tackling health disparities within marginalized communities has been rewarded with his selection for the Leaders USA program.

The Leaders USA program serves as a platform to identify and nurture exceptional leaders who have the potential to make a significant impact on their communities and beyond. Out of thousands of applicants, only 100 were selected for the six-month program.

"Once we finish this Leaders USA cohort, we get inducted into the broader Obama Leaders network," Webb added. "This will give us access to leaders in Africa, Asia, and Europe to have that same kind of relationship on a global level."

Webb's selection for the Leaders USA program underscores his exceptional leadership abilities and is a testament to his dedication and hard work throughout his academic and professional journey. As an alumnus of Virginia Union University, Webb exemplifies its mission of producing transformative leaders who make a difference in their chosen fields.

"Being able to problem solve with national leaders brought to provide teaching, education, and facilitate discussion is an experience I can't wait to be a part of," Webb said.

After the program, Webb plans to use his new platform to continue improving the health of mothers and children globally.

Continued here:
VUU Alumnus Jon Webb Selected for Obama Foundation Leaders ... - Virginia Union University

Today, Columbia World Projects (CWP) announced the 2023-2024 Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University. This cohort comprises 12 emerging leaders from across the globe who will undertake a residency at CWP for the academic year.

We eagerly welcome this new cohort of Scholars, each with a distinguished track record of commitment to serving their communities. As with previous cohorts, I know that they will take full advantage of the comprehensive offerings that the program provides. At the same time, their presence on campus will undoubtedly inspire us and the broader Columbia community, remarked Wafaa El-Sadr, Director of Columbia World Projects and Executive Vice President of Columbia Global.

The sixth cohort of Columbia University Obama Foundation Scholars will immerse themselves in a year-long program tailored to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to amplify their impact and further contribute to their communities. Key components of the program include a weekly seminar, personal and professional development workshops, audited courses at Columbia University, a thought leadership speaker series, and bespoke programming crafted by CWP in collaboration with the Obama Foundation. The year will provide Scholars with the skills, tools, and connections to create profound change both locally and globally. A recent five-year review revealed that alumni overwhelmingly felt that the program significantly influenced their leadership journeys and evolution as social impact leaders.

I believe deeply in the mission of the Obama Foundation Scholars Program and am thrilled to welcome the sixth cohort of fellows to Columbia, said President Minouche Shafik, who began her tenure as Columbias 20th president on July 1, 2023. I know that these Scholars will benefit immeasurably from all that this University has to offer, and I am excited to see the impact they will have on our campuses, their communities, and the world in the months and years ahead.

Initiated in 2018, the Obama Foundation Scholars program aims to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders, equipping them to make more substantial contributions to their global communities. While one group of Scholars is hosted at Columbia University, another cohort joins the program at the University of Chicago. Throughout the year, Scholars from both universities partake in joint activities facilitated by the Obama Foundation and maintain strong ties post-program.

Columbia World Projectsmobilizes the universitys researchers and scholars to work with governments, organizations, businesses and communities to tackle global challenges.

We are part ofColumbia Global, established July 2022, which brings together major initiatives from across the university to advance knowledge and foster global engagement to address complex global challenges. As of July 2023, Columbia Global comprises CWP, theColumbia Global Centers, theCommittee on Global Thought, and theInstitute for Ideas and Imagination.

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Introducing the 2023-2024 Obama Foundation Scholars at ... - Columbia University

In August 2020, Mr. McNair moved to Evanston, Ill., to attend business school at Northwestern University, while Ms. Castor went to Harvard Law School. They continued their relationship long distance, and by that fall, Mr. McNair knew he wanted Ms. Castor to be his forever. He talked to her best friend and her three sisters to plan an elaborate, multipart surprise proposal near where they had first met.

In September 2021, he told Ms. Castor that they were going to a promotional dinner event in Cambridge, Mass., where there would be photographers, so they had to dress up. When they arrived at the restaurant, he said that he had mixed up the time and that they were early. He suggested they go on a walk to while they waited.

When they walked by Ms. Castors old dorm, she pointed it out and said jokingly that they could marry in the courtyard there. And Im like, Oh, interesting, Mr. McNair recalled. They reached a bridge, where he showed her a YouTube video he had made about their love story. At the end of the video, he knelt down.

When she said yes, their families came running and cheering from across the street. It was an epic surprise, Ms. Castor said.

Ms. Castor, who grew up in Rockland County, N.Y., has a bachelors in social studies and African American studies and a law degree, both from Harvard. She is a corporate associate at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago. Mr. McNair, who grew up just outside Cleveland, has a bachelors degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a masters in business administration from Northwestern. He is a director at the Chicago office of EY-Parthenon, a management consulting firm. In June 2023, the couple moved to Chicago.

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Finding Her 'Barack Obama' With the Help of a Friend - The New York Times