Joe Rogan has backtracked on his earlier praise for Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., drawing parallels to Kyle Rittenhouse’s recent political flip-flop. This shift comes in response to significant backlash from Republican supporters and former President Donald Trump.
Initial Praise and Controversy
Rogan’s Podcast Comments
During an episode of his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan had commended Kennedy for his reasoned and civil discourse, criticizing both major political parties for eroding democratic norms. “He’s the only one that makes sense to me,” Rogan said of Kennedy.
Trump’s Response
Trump responded quickly and harshly to Rogan’s comments. In a post on Truth Social, Trump mocked Rogan, stating, “It will be interesting to see how loudly Joe Rogan gets BOOED the next time he enters the UFC Ring??? MAGA2024.”
Rogan’s Retraction
Clarification and Backpedaling
The intense backlash prompted Rogan to clarify his statements. “For the record, this isn’t an endorsement,” Rogan explained. “I like RFK Jr. as a person and appreciate the way he discusses things with civility and intelligence. We could use more of that in this world.”
Comments on Trump
Rogan also attempted to soften his stance on Trump, describing Trump’s reaction to a recent assassination attempt as “one of the most American f‑‑‑ing things of all time.” He suggested that listeners seeking political insights should turn to comedian Dave Smith instead.
Parallel with Rittenhouse
Rittenhouse’s Political Reversal
Rogan’s reversal mirrors the recent political zigzag of Kyle Rittenhouse. Initially, Rittenhouse announced he would not support Trump’s presidential bid and intended to write in former Congressman Ron Paul. However, after intense criticism from Trump supporters, Rittenhouse reversed his position and endorsed Trump, urging gun owners to support Trump’s reelection campaign.
HAPPENING NOW: Right-wing X is shredding Joe Rogan for "endorsing" Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his podcast.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 9, 2024
The claim: Joe Rogan endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for president.
What Rogan said: "That's politics. They do it on the left. They do it on the right. They gaslight… pic.twitter.com/vkmd4zFBdd
Conclusion
Rogan’s backpedal on his praise for RFK Jr. amid MAGA outrage highlights the intense political pressures and swift reactions in today’s political climate. His comments and subsequent retraction underscore the delicate balance public figures must navigate when voicing political opinions.