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.
Seems more like a further slide to the right by democrats.
This sort of strategy is only going to alienate many on the left, because populism like this can only stroke reactionary feelings and not progressive movements.
It’s perfectly fine to build up a milquetoast reactionary centralist movement who lack any tools to enact change, and it may help some feel like they are doing the right thing. More power to them, I guess.