"Carlson was the longest-serving director in Voice of America's 50-year history."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Carlson

As to Tucker, I think he drank the Statist kool-aid in his early life. He claims to have had an awakening around the time of Iraq War 2, which I do believe, but I don't know how thoroughly he has disabused himself of his former notions. 

Overall I think Tucker is "that guy who just started paying attention" meme. But I also think he is pretty honest and brave, which goes a long way in storytelling.