Joe Rogan's podcast allows public figures to connect directly with a vast and ideologically diverse audience—bypassing traditional media. And this election cycle, online content creators and podcasters have eclipsed the legacy media in audience reach, and potentially also influence.

Many voters believe, with internet generations joining the voting ranks, legacy media outlets—which are now facing a credibility crisis—could be obsolete before the 2028 cycle.

Donald Trump’s recent appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” had more than 40 million views on YouTube alone, just five days after its release. Rogan also posted the entire interview on X, implying YouTube may be throttling the video. Now, voters are discussing the impact of the three-hour-long interview, along with the pressure Kamala Harris is facing to sit with Rogan as well.

Since there's an issue with searching for this episode on YouTube here is the full podcast with Trump pic.twitter.com/sl2GTUaWdE

— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) October 29, 2024

Comparing the Risks and Rewards

The disparities in voter reactions show contrasting risks and rewards for both candidates. For Harris, the stakes are high, as her recent media appearances have not created an image of a proficient or confidence-inspiring leader. Democrats fear an unscripted interview would not make her more relatable but expose vulnerabilities in her policies.

For Trump, the Rogan interview played as on-brand for his persona. This is a double-edged sword as many voters cannot be swayed in his direction with more exposure. Others, however, feel the conversation’s comprehensive and casual tone made Trump more appealing to moderates.

Harris Stakes

• Vulnerabilities: High potential for a challenging, possibly damaging interview experience.
• Reward Potential: Could humanize her and bridge gaps with undecided voters.
• Base Voter Risks: Many Democratic voters see Rogan’s platform as hostile territory, losing enthusiasm if she were to appear.

Trump Stakes

• Strengths: Rogan’s unformatted style aligns well with Trump’s communication approach.
• Reward Potential: Further cements his position as a no-nonsense leader who has a depth of knowledge and willingness to speak openly.
• Moderate Risk: Potential to alienate some moderate Independents, though many in this group already have an immovable negative opinion.

Her Base is Scared She’ll Bomb

Democratic voters don’t want Harris to go on Rogan, voicing skepticism and concern. They voice their strong reluctance, centering caution around Rogan’s format, which often promotes freewheeling dialogue, challenging guests directly. They view this as a risk to Harris’s image, especially given the scrutiny she is facing over all her public appearances.

Democrat Reactions

• 70% of Democratic voters discourage Harris from appearing on Rogan, citing concerns his audience and style could expose her to intensified criticism.
• 10% say an appearance could sway undecideds toward her, a low figure exclusive to those who believe she’s a capable and competent leader.
• Key Concerns: Democrats fear an interview could backfire, as any missteps would be widely circulated and potentially weaken her already wavering campaign.

Rogan himself has commented, saying a Harris sit-down is not out of the question. However, his post can also be read as critical, saying the Harris team will not go to his studio and want to limit the interview to one hour.

Also, for the record the Harris campaign has not passed on doing the podcast. They offered a date for Tuesday, but I would have had to travel to her and they only wanted to do an hour. I strongly feel the best way to do it is in the studio in Austin. My sincere wish is to just…

— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) October 29, 2024

Independents Think She’ll Faceplant

Independent voters, typically more open to alternative media and diverse perspectives, advocate for Harris appearing on Rogan. They emphasize the importance of new media, but also express skepticism about the likelihood a Harris sit-down could change their votes.

Moderates and Independents responded mostly positively to Trump’s interview. They recognize Rogan’s platform could present Harris with an opportunity to connect authentically with voters, but many also believe she is not capable of doing so.

Independent Reactions

• 60% of Independents say Harris should go on Rogan, viewing it as a chance for her to address criticism and try to humanize her image.
• 30% say it could positively shift their view of her, only half of those urging her to accept the invitation.
• Key Concerns: Independents doubt Harris’s messaging and relatability will improve with longform content, raising further questions about her authenticity.

Rogan: "I'll give you 3 hours to say anything you want to America on the most popular show in the country."

Kamala: "No."

Leftoids: "So brave. Stunning."

— hoe_math (@ItIsHoeMath) October 27, 2024

Reactions to Trump’s Rogan Interview

Donald Trump’s appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” resonates strongly with his base. Conservative and right-leaning Independents widely celebrate the three-hour conversation, viewing it as an unfiltered display of his commitment to America and his breadth of knowledge.

Even among some undecided voters, Trump’s unapologetic style on Rogan’s platform resonates as authentic, further distinguishing him from traditional politicians.

Right Leaning Reactions

• Trump supporters view his Rogan appearance as reinforcing anti-establishment sentiments, particularly contrasting Harris’s controlled media performances.
• Independents are divided. Some found the candid conversation appealing, humanizing Trump. But others find his rhetoric polarizing.
• For many, Trump’s unfiltered approach is refreshing. Though his divisive image still alienates some moderate and undecided voters.

The Broader Political Implications

MIG Reports data suggests a Rogan appearance for Harris could be a high-risk, high-reward gamble. Her base appears unconvinced of the benefits, while Independents offer only tepid support.

Meanwhile, Trump supporters praise both Trump’s performance and Rogan as a pioneer in the new media space. Many who distrust mainstream media, calling it biased and in Democrats’ pocket, say presidential politics crossing into digital media is a positive shift.

Voters are also discussing recent news that GOP VP candidate J.D. Vance is also scheduled to appear on Rogan before election day. Increasing anti-establishment feelings and distrust in legacy media suggests traditional outlets may be facing death throes.

⁦@JDVance⁩ will sit down with Joe Rogan tomorrow - Live Updates - POLITICO https://t.co/7zK2uee79D

— Joe Rogan Podcast (@joeroganhq) October 29, 2024

Only a few days prior to Election Day, voter discussions are tense. The atmosphere around Trump and Harris is fraught with tension, worry, and anticipation. Daily top discussion topics include:

• Culture issues
• The economy
• Border security
• Housing

Trump continues to hold a major advantage in social media discussions and a smaller edge in sentiment.

Trump Dominates Discussion Volume

Across the four top topics, Trump significantly outpaces Harris in mention volume:

• Trump gains nearly 20,000 daily mentions compared to Harris's 8,520.
• Voters discuss him more, both positively and negatively.
• The disparity suggests Trump’s rhetoric and policies elicit a greater response.
• Support for Trump on border security and economic deregulation contrast starkly with the criticisms from his detractors.

In contrast, Harris’s comparatively limited public engagement may indicate lower enthusiasm:

• Lower levels of attention may demonstrate Harris’s challenge connecting with voters.
• Those who could perceive her policies as either overly cautious or insufficiently distinct from Biden’s may not feel the need to weigh in.
• Her lower engagement on core issues potentially suggests a voter base that is less energized or divided in their support.

Trump’s Slight Sentiment Advantage

Though Trump’s higher volume might imply broader reach, the sentiment attached to both candidates is tighter.

• Excluding rallies, Trump leads Harris by a slight margin, holding an average sentiment score of 44.25% compared to Harris's 43.5%.
• A minor advantage suggests, despite divisive rhetoric, Trump’s stance on core issues resonates more positively with voters
• Those seeking strong leadership on economic and border policies are particularly positive toward him.

Culture Issues

Ideologies and culture war issues are relatively evenly matched for both candidates at 44%.

Trump

• This parity highlights the sharp cultural divide among Americans, where each candidate represents a competing ideological vision.
• Trump supporters view his cultural stances as a defense against progressive overreach and Democratic “dehumanization” of conservative values.
• There’s intense backlash against comments made by Democratic leaders and media who call Trump voters “Nazis,” “fascists,” and “garbage.”

Harris

• Harris’s alignment with progressive causes receives a mixed reception.
• While some view her as a voice for inclusivity and social justice, detractors interpret her policies as leaning too far left, threatening American values.
• Harris faces difficulty in uniting a broad coalition under a progressive platform, particularly moderate or non-woke Democrats.

Economic Issues

Economic issues a top issue in the 2024 race, with Trump holding a slight sentiment advantage—44% versus Harris's 43%.

Trump

• Trump advocates emphasizing his commitment to deregulation and tax reductions, which they argue will spur economic growth and alleviate inflationary pressures.
• They say he represents a return to a more business-friendly, self-sustaining economy.

Harris

• Harris’s unclear economic policies receive mixed responses.
• Her tax proposals, particularly on unrealized capital gains, are portrayed by critics as burdensome on the middle class and small businesses.
• Her supporters argue these measures will reduce wealth inequality, but critics frame her policies as economically harmful.
• Voters struggle between seeking economic equality and fearing increased government control.

Border Security

Border security is another critical area where Trump has an edge—43% to Harris's 41%. Frustration is high regarding Biden-Harris immigration policies.

Trump

• Trump’s tough stance on immigration resonates with voters concerned about resource allocation and national security.
• There are repeated grievances about Democrats prioritizing illegal immigrants over veterans and struggling Americans.
• Sentiment is urgent and concerned, with many voicing fears that current policies undermine public safety and strain social services.

Harris

• Harris’s role as “border czar” draws substantial criticism, with opponents framing her as ineffective in controlling the border.
• People say she’s indifferent to the consequences open borders have on American communities.
• There is public anger over drug trafficking and crime, with Harris getting blame as unwilling or unable to address the issue.
• Her supporters counter by advocating for policies of inclusivity and support for migrant communities.

Housing

Housing sentiment is balanced at 46% for both candidates. There is shared public frustration over affordability and living costs which transcends partisan lines.

• Rising housing expenses, coupled with inflation, fuel widespread discontent.
• Trump supporters argue his approach to deregulation and reduced taxes fostered a more affordable housing market.
• Harris supporters emphasize her efforts toward housing reforms aimed at long-term affordability and protections for vulnerable groups.
• However, proposed initiatives are overshadowed by the immediate economic strain Americans feel.

Left-leaning Americans are angrily canceling their “Washington Post” subscriptions to the tune of 250,000—though apparently not their Amazon Prime accounts. Following a controversy in which WaPo and Amazon owner Jeff Bezos barred the newspaper from making a presidential endorsement.

UPDATE: The number of cancellations since Friday’s revelation now exceeds 250,000, NPR can report.

That represents approximately 10 percent of all paid circulation. https://t.co/XrDDWR3Vt5

— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) October 29, 2024

The contradiction in liberal outcry against Bezos reveals the tension between stated ideals and real-life consumer choices. Americans are disillusioned with mainstream media and left leaning voters are showing their dissatisfaction by unsubscribing.

However, many on the right are pointing out various coping mechanisms and the selective outrage they see among liberals. They point out members of the media like Jennifer Rubin who criticized LA Times reporters who did not resign after the paper also made no endorsement. Rubin, who works for WaPo, has yet to resign.

Jennifer Rubin @JRubinBlogger cheered a reporter who quit in response to the LA times not endorsing either presidential canidate. She works for the Washington post which is also not endorsing this election let's reminder her that she is a hypocrite unless she resigns immediately pic.twitter.com/2mvpNBzS6N

— Steve (@Steve113875651) October 25, 2024

Unsub from WaPo

Liberals often frame their decision to cancel their “Washington Post” as personal empowerment and ethical consumerism. They invoke, “taking a stand,” “voting with my wallet,” and “demanding truth.” Many are disillusioned with WaPo, using terms like “biased reporting” and “supporting ethical journalism” to validate their choice to unsubscribe.

Won’t Cancel Prime

However, there is deafening silence on the same activists canceling their Amazon Prime memberships. They justify this with practical language emphasizing convenience and necessity, such as “just too good to give up” and “I can’t live without my Prime.” This rationalization for keeping services that contradict their activism suggests a kind of opportunistic hypocrisy.

Language Analysis

Coping Mechanisms

Among those outraged about Jeff Bezos’s decision regarding WaPo endorsements, there is tendency toward self-justification. They use rationalizing phrases like “we deserve better,” portraying canceling subscriptions as a principled choice. This hints at cognitive dissonance, where values are flexible depending on convenience.

Hypocrisy Indicators

There’s a noticeable double standard where users critique WaPo for perceived corporate media bias yet justify Amazon Prime as essential, despite Amazon’s controversial practices.

Phrases like “corporate monsters are everywhere” reflect a resignation to the omnipresence of corporate influence, exposing a discrepancy between ideological intentions and consumer behavior. This focus suggests an emotional, issue-based hierarchy in which certain values can be sidelined based on the perceived relevance of the company involved.

An Amazon warehouse worker's 'thank you' bag for working Prime Big Deal Days earlier this month pic.twitter.com/PAEADIQvSs

— Michael Sainato (@msainat1) October 29, 2024

Owning the Narrative

Many express a need for narratives that align with their personal values, reflecting a belief that media consumption should ideologically agree with readers. This causes a pattern of binary thinking where WaPo is labeled as becoming antagonistic to liberal values, while Amazon is a practical tool divorced from these political concerns.

Cognitive dissonance is a recurring theme as liberals openly struggle to reconcile their ideals with convenience. The discussions highlight how modern consumer habits complicate the pursuit of ideological purity, as practicality frequently overrides principles.

Performative Activism

Some describe their WaPo cancellation as part of “cancel culture” or an act of visibility rather than a purely ethical stance. This suggests it’s either performative or rhetorical. For some, canceling WaPo is less about values and more about participating in visible, symbolic acts.

In voter discussions around 75% of comments are negative toward WaPo, while Amazon Prime discussion is mostly neutral or slightly positive. This difference underscores a greater discontent with media credibility than corporate ethics, suggesting a prioritization of ideological alignment over ethical consistency.