Discover more from @amuse
Three Hours with Trump: How Rogan’s Podcast Outclassed Harris’s Beyoncé-Backed Campaign Stunt
Donald Trump's appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience broke the internet last night. In a campaign season dominated by superficial soundbites and carefully curated interviews, this podcast stretched for an extraordinary three hours—an unprecedented, in-depth conversation with the former president. The Joe Rogan Experience, the world's most listened-to podcast, regularly garners millions of listeners. In sharp contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris, despite numerous offers to appear on the show, opted for lighter media fare, most notably her appearance on the sex podcast Call Her Daddy. Harris, facing one of the toughest political battles of her career, chose the safe confines of fluff interviews instead of confronting the scrutiny and depth that Rogan’s platform offers. And just weeks ahead of the election, it’s clear why she avoided this engagement.
On the very night Harris held a rally featuring a brief appearance by pop star Beyoncé, Trump managed to upstage her by sitting down with Rogan. While Beyoncé graced the stage for a mere four minutes before making a swift exit, Trump held the attention of the American public for three continuous hours. Harris's campaign event, which she hoped would be a cultural moment, was eclipsed by Trump’s compelling performance on Rogan’s podcast—a testament to his unrivaled ability to dominate media coverage. While Harris relied on celebrity stunts, Trump relied on substance.
Rogan opened the conversation by reminiscing about Trump’s 2011 appearance on The View, where he was once embraced by Hollywood liberals, only to become their target when he entered politics. Trump recounted this shift, pointing out that his popularity as the host of The Apprentice and his prior friendships with left-leaning media figures evaporated once he posed a serious political challenge. Rogan cited the changing tides among some on the left, mentioning figures like Elon Musk and Bill Ackman, who have recognized how the media's disdain for Trump has more to do with his political success than any real ideological transformation.
The podcast allowed Trump to recount not just the surreal nature of becoming president, but also to explain his approach to governance, leadership, and decision-making—a level of detail and openness rarely afforded in today’s media landscape. From his appointments of controversial figures like John Bolton and General John Kelly to his strategies for dealing with foreign leaders, Trump laid out his case clearly and unapologetically. He spoke about the "real generals," not the media-savvy Washington elites, who helped him destroy ISIS and the swamp of bureaucracy that tried to derail his administration.
While Harris was busy evading tough questions and leaning on pop culture icons like Beyoncé to buoy her campaign, Trump used Rogan’s platform to connect with voters on a personal level. This unfiltered conversation revealed why so many Americans view Trump’s four years in office more favorably than the Biden-Harris regime’s tenure. According to recent polling, Trump’s popularity has surged to unprecedented levels, with many Americans nostalgically reflecting on the economic prosperity, energy independence, and stronger border security that defined his time in office. Under the Biden-Harris regime, the country has been plagued by inflation, foreign policy blunders, and a humanitarian crisis at the southern border. It's no wonder Trump's star is rising again.
As Trump spoke candidly about his presidency, Harris continued to dodge meaningful engagement. While she clung to celebrity endorsements and shallow interviews, Trump laid bare his strategy for governance and his vision for America. Rogan, known for his open-ended format and incisive questioning, gave Trump the space to explore complex topics, from foreign policy to election integrity, in a way that mainstream media simply does not allow. And through it all, Trump’s humor, intellect, and genuine connection to the American people shone through.
Perhaps the most telling contrast between the two candidates is how each approaches the media. Harris, who famously dodges tough interviews, has leaned into media outlets that offer her pre-packaged narratives and softball questions. Trump, on the other hand, thrives in unpredictable environments where his authenticity can shine. He reminded listeners that his refusal to be filtered by the media’s narrative is precisely why he remains such a polarizing yet powerful figure. And it’s also why he’s more popular now than ever before.
This appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience served as a reminder of why Trump’s base remains so fiercely loyal. While Harris attempts to ride the coattails of pop culture celebrities, Trump engages directly with the issues facing the nation—issues like election integrity, illegal immigration, and national security. Rogan's podcast gave Trump the platform to upstage Harris in real-time, on the same night her rally fizzled out after just a few short minutes from Beyoncé. It’s a telling metaphor for the state of the race: Harris relies on fleeting moments and media spin, while Trump offers substance, depth, and a clear path forward.
At the end of the day, Americans are looking for leadership, not celebrity endorsements or shallow media appearances. Trump’s performance on Rogan’s podcast was a masterclass in how to connect with voters in an authentic and meaningful way. And as the 2024 election looms, Harris’s avoidance of substantive interviews only serves to highlight her weaknesses as a candidate. Meanwhile, Trump is proving—through platforms like Rogan’s—that he remains not just relevant, but more powerful and popular than ever before.