Podcast host Joe Rogan addressed controversy after saying he was likely to vote for independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, calling online backlash as a “race to be woke.”
While filming a new episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan’s guest introduced the topic by saying, “What a whirlwind you’re in, huh?”
“Strange to watch it take place,” he responded. “All I said is I’m probably going to vote for him,” he added. Rogan noted that though he personally likes Sanders, 78, he also likes Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, 38, and businessman Andrew Yang, 45. Though he cautioned listeners not to base their vote based on his preferences.
Rogan and his guest, Mark Normand, said they believe Bernie Sanders has been politically consistent throughout time, though Rogan questioned whether or not that makes a good president.
“That doesn’t mean he’s going to be a great president. I don’t know what’s required to be a president. I really don’t,” he said. “Maybe we’re better off with Trump; maybe we’re better off with someone else.”
But the two discussed how the online reaction, which accused Rogan of making transphobic and homophobic jokes in the past, was only a “race to be woke.” Rogan then recounted relationships and experiences he’s had to deny all allegations levied against him. Rogan did not object to malleable gender identity but said his only concern is transgender woman in sports.
“It’s very bad for the cause if you have a transgender woman that doesn’t disclose she’s transgender and is beating the f— out of biological women,” Rogan said. “The ones who get f—ed over are biological women.”
Toward the end of the conversation, he called the online reaction against him a “hate brigade” but said it was “heartwarming” to see his viewers defend his character.
