Some of Joe Rogan's fans are not happy he spoke glowingly of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. while comparing him to other politicians.
The podcaster made the comments Thursday during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, where he explained why he was liked RFK Jr.
"I am a fan. He's the only one that doesn't attack people. He attacks actions and ideas, but he's much more reasonable and intelligent," Rogan said.
Kennedy is running as one of four independent candidates in the 2024 election. The others are Cornel West, Jill Stein and Chase Oliver who are contesting the presidency against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Rogan, on Friday, followed up the comments by stating in a post on X, previously known as Twitter, that this was not an "endorsement."
"For the record, this isn't an endorsement. This is me saying that I like RFKjr as a person, and I really appreciate the way he discusses things with civility and intelligence," Rogan wrote. "I think we could use more of that in this world."
Rogan's comments came after some MAGA fans of his were less than impressed by his praise for Kennedy.
MAGA, which stands for "Make America Great Again," is a common tagline used by former President Donald Trump during his 2016 White House run and later and has become synonymous with his most fervent followers.
"So - I've never been a Joe Rogan fan - can't stand him - yes he has a popular podcast, but I've always thought he was absolutely politically dumb - he's great at figuring things out 2 years after we do. What a legend. So did it surprise me when he endorsed idiot RFK jr today? LOL! No. We are talking about the same f****** idiot who endorsed Bernie Sanders right? 😂 He's the podcast Equivalent of a dumb blonde joke," wrote one person on X, formerly Twitter, to their 2.2 million followers.
Self-described MAGA business analyst @jdopost wrote: "Joe Rogan thinks RFK Jr. is the only candidate that 'makes sense to him' Tell me how TF a man that wants to allow FULL TERM ABORTIONS Makes sense to anyone!? 🤮🤮🤮"
And Gentry Gevers added, "Joe Rogan has done so much for the truth movement because of his platform. I don't agree with his "endorsement" of RFK, I think it's a throw away vote. I don't even think it's an endorsement. But this isn't the way to win him over to our side."
However, there were mixed reactions to Rogan's announcement, including from people who agreed with him and others who believed the podcaster's praise would pull votes away from Trump.
"Honestly, I want Joe Rogan to go in HARD on RFK Jr. I want him to tell every one of his listeners to vote for RFK. His target audience (white, right leaning males) is exactly where I want RFK Jr building up more support. Sincerely, Someone who wants Kamala to win," wrote @lds_dems.
And @ashnowicki added, "Joe Rogan has endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.! This endorsement could significantly impact American politics. With Rogan's extensive audience, RFK Jr.'s message of freedom and integrity is spreading further. Mainstream media may try to ignore him, but the people are paying attention. Exciting developments ahead!"
Newsweek contacted Rogan's representatives by email for comment.
Rogan, on Friday, added praise for Trump in his post, saying this was not an endorsement of Kennedy, before saying that people should not get their political information from him.
"I also think Trump raising his fist and saying "fight!" after getting shot is one of the most American f***ing things of all time," Rogan wrote. "I'm not the guy to get political information from. If you want that from a comic, go to@ComicDaveSmith. He actually knows what he's talking about."
Rogan has had a mixed approach to politics and previously endorsed politicians from both major parties, and other candidates.
He said he did not vote for either Trump or President Joe Biden in the 2020 race but endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders' campaign during the 2020 Democratic primary.
In 2022, he said Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was someone who would make a "good candidate," before DeSantis dropped out of the Republican race for nomination.
Rogan also voice his admiration for Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson in the 2016 presidential race.
Updated 8/9/2024 at 4:55 p.m. ET: The story and headline have been updated with Rogan's most recent comments.
About the writer
Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more