As an argument in a court of law goes, it’s a doozy:

Fox News told a federal judge Wednesday that prime-time darling Tucker Carlson does not look to facts for his show.

Nor do his viewers expect them from him.

Come again?

Fox is being sued by former Playboy model Karen McDougal for defamation after Carlson, while speaking about her and Stormy Daniels, two women who allegedly had sexual encounters with Donald Trump, said, “Two women approached Donald Trump and threatened to ruin his career and humiliate his family if he doesn’t give them money. Now that sounds like a classic case of extortion.”

Erin Murphy, a lawyer for Fox, told the judge that Carlson has no duty to investigate the claims he makes.

“What we’re talking about here, it’s not the front page of The New York Times. It’s ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight,’ which is a commentary show,” Murphy said.

She added that his viewers know his show serves up “provocative things that will help me think harder,” as opposed to hard facts.

That has to be a shock to loyal Fox Nation minions.

From his show, the heir to the Swanson frozen entree empire promotes himself as the last bastion of civility protecting his audience from a world being destroyed by the others – Blacks, LGBTQ people, Muslims, Democrats, those dirty libs, people with working brains.

Carlson’s show should come with a disclaimer: “Warning: You are witnessing the ravings of a middle-aged mope in real time.”

Now that would be the most honest thing Carlson has ever shared with his audience.