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.
This is the way conspiratorial thinking works in general. Come up with the feeling, or come up with the conclusion, and then find spurious bullshit to link your enemies to it. Instead of following the evidence, cherry pick the evidence that agrees with your conclusion.
The Democrats have a half of a point though, they’re basically not present at all in the new media ecosystem that very online idiots live in.