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.
Honestly a “left Joe Rogan” isn’t going to pick up at all with the left because we aren’t into tribal bullshit. We don’t follow personalities over policies. If AOC said tomorrow “lol Mexicans” the left would shun her because she isn’t aligned anymore with core values of being a decent person. Nobody wants a Joe Rogan on the left because left leaning voters care about the idea of a functional government more than they care about how a figurehead feels about the government.
Whats really appealing about people like Bernie is that for 60 years he’s said the exact same things regardless of the personalities and political winds shifting. It’s the clear optimistic integrity that’s appealing, not Bernie himself. I want healthcare, I don’t give a shit who is giving it to me. Democrats need to have a handful of under 55s who simply want simple stuff and are LOUD and CONSTANT about it. It’s better to have a coordinated party than individual podcasters.