Summary
Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, influenced by support from podcasters like Joe Rogan, has sparked debate among Democrats about creating a left-leaning equivalent.
Rogan, whose show reaches 14.5 million listeners (80% male, largely independents or Republicans), endorsed Trump and hosted figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk.
Critics argue Democrats lack a comparable media ecosystem due to limited funding from megadonors, who oppose progressive policies.
Others suggest Democrats need to focus on appealing policies for independent-minded voters rather than trying to replicate Rogan’s media influence.
Rogan doesn’t need to be won over. He knows exactly what he’s doing, and that’s exploiting stupid people for profit.
Oh, I don’t think that’s true at all. Rogan is stupid people. He’s a very good interviewer, but he’s not particularly clever. He’s also not an idealogue or grifter like Shapiro or Crowder either. Half the time, his show and guests aren’t even political. He’s gone down a right wing rabbit hole, but he got their honestly by having right-wing idealogues on and being swayed by them (because, again, he’s not very clever). We shouldn’t be trying to astroturf a version his show, we should be sending smart, charismatic leftists on his show to push back.
This. The Dems are doing literally anything they can to avoid blaming their messaging.
“Swayed.”
Knowing what to kiss and when.