Throughout 2024, podcaster Joe Rogan consistently sparked national conversations with his commentary on "The Joe Rogan Experience." His show, already a popular platform for discussing cultural and political matters, seemed to gain even more traction during the election cycle, arguably influencing public opinion more than traditional media outlets.
Rogan's Trump Interview and Endorsement
One of the most significant moments was Rogan's extensive October interview with former President Donald Trump. The conversation, viewed over 53 million times on YouTube alone, is considered by many to be a pivotal moment in the election. Rogan's candid observation about Trump's "wild" statements, amplified by CNN's coverage, resonated with an audience seemingly weary of conventional political rhetoric.
Following an interview with Elon Musk, Rogan publicly endorsed Trump, aligning himself with Musk's perspective on the election. This endorsement contrasted sharply with the failed attempt to schedule an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, reportedly due to pushback from her staff. This cancellation drew criticism from some, including Democratic strategist James Carville.
Image: Joe Rogan interviewed Donald Trump for three hours in October. (Screenshots/The Joe Rogan Experience)
Rogan Critiques DNC Speeches
During the Democratic National Convention, Rogan criticized speeches by Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama for what he perceived as hypocrisy regarding wealth and income inequality, given their own substantial fortunes. He questioned their critiques of wealth accumulation while being affluent themselves.
Image: Podcaster Joe Rogan called out both former first lady Michelle Obama and media mogul Oprah Winfrey for their DNC speeches. (YouTube screenshot)
Rogan's Take on "The View" and the New York Times
Rogan didn't shy away from criticizing media outlets. He labeled "The View" a "rabies-infested henhouse" after author Coleman Hughes' contentious appearance on the show. He also expressed disbelief at a New York Times opinion piece questioning the U.S. Constitution's compatibility with democracy, finding the premise absurd.
Image: Joe Rogan during a UFC event in Arizona in 2022. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Rogan's Post-Election Commentary
After the election, Rogan jokingly speculated about President Biden's reaction to Trump's victory, suggesting Biden was secretly pleased, particularly with Harris's loss. He pointed to Biden's warm welcome of Trump at the White House as evidence, contrasting it with Obama's demeanor after Trump's 2016 win.
Image: Podcaster Joe Rogan laughed as he saw a photo of President Biden smiling next to President-elect Trump. (The Joe Rogan Experience)
