The “centrist” and “woke” freakout over Joe Rogan’s quasi-endorsement of Bernie Sanders is beyond pathetic. The secret to Joe’s success is not just that he’s an affable guy; he’s a genuine expression of “the center”; that is, he thinks like millions of average guys.
For Bernie to denounce Rogan or reject his quasi-endorsement would not only demonstrate weakness (which we’ve seen numerous times from him) but also turn off the millions of average people who resonate with his working-class message.
Joe Rogan hosts an enjoyable, rambling podcast. He is far from power, and he acts more as a platform for average people dealing with the modern world than he is an “influencer.” Put simply, he’s done nothing wrong.
Bernie continues to refer to Joe Biden as “my friend,” despite the fact that he’s explicitly opposed the Democratic Socialist agenda and, in voting for wars, he is directly responsibile for death and destruction. Joe Rogan, on the other, is guilty of edgy opinions.
Bernie is loathed by Washington “centrists” and talks about a “revolution” at rallies; yet ultimately wants to get along with his enemies and will frequently express embarrassment over his friends.
Bernie lacks the characteristics of someone who would actually change anything if elected. Really winning entails recognizing your enemies—and fighting them—and sticking up for your friends. We’ll see what happens with Rogan, but I don’t think Bernie’s got what it takes.
