Tucker Carlson Kicks Off Faith-Focused Tour in Arizona, Joined by Russell Brand

Right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson launched his highly anticipated live tour in battleground Arizona Wednesday night, drawing a packed crowd to the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Known for his fiery political rhetoric, Carlson surprised the audience by focusing more on faith than politics during the opening night of his 16-date tour.

Sharing the stage with British comedian and actor Russell Brand, who recently converted to Christianity, the two personalities delivered a Bible-centered sermon with only a handful of references to Donald Trump and the 2024 presidential race. Brand, barefoot and animated, highlighted his support for Trump's MAGA movement and expressed optimism about the future. "After this election, you are going to be the inheritors of the new United States of America", Brand proclaimed.

Carlson received a thunderous standing ovation upon entering the arena, following a dramatic video compilation that juxtaposed dystopian imagery with interviews featuring Democratic lawmakers such as Vice President Kamala Harris. Though Carlson touched on political themes, including crime and government transparency, his speech culminated in a prayer, with him dropping to his knees and leading the crowd in a Christian invocation.

Outside the venue, attendees were vocal about their admiration for the duo. Phoenix resident Deirdre Mischelle Scanlan said, "They're free media… we share the apprehension about the deep state." North Carolina resident Alexandrea Iverson, a Robert Kennedy Jr. supporter, praised Carlson’s tour, saying she felt "politically inspired" for the first time in this election cycle.

The tour's timing aligns with a pivotal week for Republicans in Arizona. Senator JD Vance spoke to a local church congregation earlier in the day, and several GOP appearances are scheduled in the coming days. Arizona, which leaned Democratic in 2022, remains a key battleground for 2024.

Meanwhile, political dynamics within the state shifted further this week with Jimmy McCain, son of the late Sen. John McCain, announcing his decision to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. McCain cited a recent incident involving Trump's campaign at Arlington National Cemetery as a turning point, deepening his family's ongoing rift with the former president.