Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind

by Jason Zengerle

From a seasoned political journalist, an eye-opening examination of Tucker Carlson’s rise through conservative media and politics, and his ideological transformation over the past thirty years, tracking the concurrent shifts in the political and media landscapes which have both influenced and succumbed to the hyperpartisan politics of today.

To many, Tucker Carlson is synonymous with modern conservative politics. Carlson has been present on our screens for almost three decades and is as infamous for his bow tie as he is for his increasingly extreme right-wing views. But those who knew Carlson in his earlier days in political journalism remember a very different man—a serious and gifted writer and commentator who enjoyed debating with liberal friends and calling out conservative failures in equal measure. Now after watching Carlson turn away from measured reporting, while simultaneously gaining unparalleled power in Donald Trump’s Republican Party, most are left asking, What the hell happened to Tucker?

New York Times Magazine writer Jason Zengerle’s rich and evocative character study of Carlson tells the story of how the former Fox News talking head rose through the ranks of conservative media, from his early days as a young writer at The Weekly Standard to his current perch as one of the most powerful voices in right-wing politics. Through deep reporting and a sweeping view of the political and media landscapes over the past thirty years, Zengerle reveals how Carlson’s career offers a unique lens into the radical transformation of American conservatism and, just as importantly, the media that covers and ultimately shapes it. As conservative news outlets fight daily over who can report the most disreputable stories, and clicks and views take precedence over facts and substance, Carlson’s evolution tells the larger story of how the right has radicalized and taken the media with it.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Audiobook

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Emma Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flew through this one. Super interesting to learn about

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Andrew Congdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years, many have asked, Who is Tucker Carlson? Few have ever asked, Why is Tucker Carlson? Jason Zengerle asks, and answers, that question, and more, in this deep dive into Tucker’s career and the ways it has been shaped by (and now shapes) conservative media writ large.

Zengerle’s background as a journalist is on full display as he applies an investigative lens to track the transformation of conservative media’s “Eldest Boy” from a snarky magazine fact-finder into the internet’s enfant terrible, whose voice impacts domestic and foreign policy in ways both overt and subtle, proving once and for all that the pen (or mic) is mightier than the sword. You can use a sword to cash the checks, but first you need the pen to write them.

[Katherine Sherbrooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like a Ben Mezrich movie/(book)-- a fast paced, deeply researched exploration of the evolution of Tucker Carlson and right-wing media in general. As someone who has long despised Tucker Carlson, FOX News, Brietbart, etc and everything they represent from afar, I appreciated learning about the ecosystem of political journalism and how it has been transformed by the proliferation of "channels" of information (internet at the top of the list) and how one person so radically remade himself into pariah and folk hero all at once. I learned a ton!

[Mike Hartnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. It was well written enough to be a breezy read, but it was a little too much like a Wikipedia entry. Did I learn a few facts I didn’t know before? Sure. Do I have any idea why it seems like a switch flipped and Tucker sold his soul after previously maintaining a pretty independent reputation? Not at all.

[Nina Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I haven’t read a nonfiction book in years and I devoured this book. It was a page turner and I learned a lot. For anyone who wants to understand how we got to this moment, especially when it comes to right-wing media- it’s a must read!

[lindsey ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and highly entertaining review of the evolution of right-wing (and other) media over the past 30 years by veteran journalist Jason Zengerle. Many insights into what has driven Tucker Carlson's decisions and career path and his powerful impact on our country.

[Kathy Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read for political junkies

Could not put this down. Tucker is running this country. There is no doubt after reading this book. Very well written and worth all of our time.

Kathy Adkins

[James Hiestand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but don't understand Carlson

Interesting and full of prominent names. But still don't understand how Carlson went from being a
reasonable young conservative to a nut case whom I never watch. A complex man

[Matt Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well written and reported, what a complicated dude

[Kana Hammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read an excerpt ahead of the book's release, about the Daily Caller. It was fascinating, well-researched and a fast-paced read. I can't wait to read the rest of the book.

[Austyn de Lugo Liston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly horrifying

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yowza. Get into the mind of the person who helped facilitate the brainrot of half of America.

[John Schorg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent deconstruction of the ways to use opportunism and an unsurpassed ability to exploit fear and paranoia to achieve what may end up being a particularly hollow success.