The stunning reversals by formerly reliable leftist celebrities have been stunning, but also logical. Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher continues to advocate for socialist-style economic governance, but his commitment to classical liberalism has resulted in his speaking out in favor of science in his opposition to the transgender insanity from fellow leftwingers, and his embrace of the free exchange of ideas drives his rejection of cancel culture.
Similarly, multi-billionaire Elon Musk had always considered himself to be left-of-center, but as America’s political center has shifted to the left with the Democratic Party’s base sprinting wildly to the radical fringe, the former hero of environment-minded, government-loving do-gooders has now become a pariah to Democrats thanks to his unwavering support of free speech and fundamental rejection of wokeness.
And then we have Joe Rogan.
Anyone following Rogan’s numerous recent controversies but who are unaware of his past could be excused for concluding that Rogan is a right-of-center, pragmatic conservative. But he’s not. Not only has Rogan regularly aligned with the Democrat Party, he’s steadily resided on its left-most stanchions. In the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, for instance, Rogan didn’t just endorse a Democratic candidate, he went all-out and backed socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
Like a good leftist, Rogan has been vocal in his support of social safety nets for those in poverty, he’s been consistently pro-abortion, and he’s done plenty of trashing of former president Donald Trump. Yet while issues such as taxation, gun control, and climate alarmism have indicated that Rogan’s liberalism may have moderated, there is one topic more than any other that illustrates Joe Rogan’s straying off of America’s leftwing reservation: the government response to COVID.
In a recent episode of his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan discussed the governmental tyranny during the pandemic while engaging in a back-and-forth with NFL quarterback Aaron Rogers, and Rogan made a stunning concession in the process. According to The Hill:
“Rogan added that now that the pandemic is over, ‘people are going to recognize that some serious errors were made and not repeat those.’
‘That’s the best you can get out of it. But as far as compensation for all those people that were forced to close their businesses and keep their doors shuttered and lost everything they’d worked for decades to build. Now they’re … they’re just going to be angry,’ he shared.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a guest on the podcast, then asked Rogan what he would tell those people, and Rogan replied: ‘Vote Republican’”.
That’s quite a turnaround for a formerly self-professed Bernie Bro.
Rogan’s advice may raise some eyebrows on both sides of the political aisle, but it’s also understandable. Rogan got a front-row seat to the COVID hysteria and became Democrats’ enemy number one for a couple of weeks earlier this year thanks to his skepticism about the vaccines. When has-been rocker Neil Young decided to put forth his ‘me-or-him; ultimatum to Spotify, the leftwing mob came at Rogan with their pitchforks raised, but Rogan prevailed.
Rogan had the nerve to question the anti-science “follow the Science” crowd (for whom we must use the upper-case “S” when referring to ‘science’) and came out the other side not only stronger but enlightened.
In reality, the COVID pandemic lasted about two months. The proper response from the beginning was for state and local governments to protect their elderly and vulnerable by keeping them away from exposure, doing everything possible to assist hospitals in handling the bull rush of patients, and keeping the young and healthy working as normal to ensure local economies didn’t collapse. In states like Florida and Texas, that’s exactly what happened, and their results were exceptional. But in states such as New York, New Jersey, and California, officials decided to play the nanny state game and destroyed their states in the process with no measurable health benefits.
The midterm elections in November will not be decided by the responses to COVID, nor will they be decided by positions on abortion or any other social issue. November’s outcomes will be driven by the disastrous economy we’re currently enduring and the Democrats’ culpability in its demise. But comments like those from Joe Rogan will indeed serve as a reminder. There are plenty of reasons not to vote for a single Democrat, and the botchery and autocracy surrounding COVID is certainly worth considering.
By Jordan Case
Jordan Case offers opinions from the unique perspective of both entrepreneur and parent and is a regular contributor to The Blue State Conservative. Jordan does not participate in the cesspool of social media.
Don’t let Bidenflation ruin your life savings. Convert your 401(k) to a precious metals IRA with Goldco.
Enjoy HUGE savings at My Pillow with promo code BSC.
Follow The Blue State Conservative on Facebook and be sure to sign up to our Email List.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Blue State Conservative. The BSC is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any information presented.
Notice: This article may contain commentary that reflects the author’s opinion.
Other sources:
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/elon-musk-tweets-meme-about-americas-political-polarization
Featured photo: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
This story syndicated with permission from The Blue State Conservative