Joe Rogan says 'vote Republican' over Democrats' mismanagement of COVID

Podcaster Joe Rogan advised people who were angry over harsh COVID-19 protocols during the pandemic to “vote Republican” in the upcoming midterms, sparking calls for a boycott of his podcast.

The media personality made the comment during Saturday’s episode of his popular The Joe Rogan Experience podcast where he and his guest, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, agreed that Democratic governors went too far by locking down businesses, restaurants and schools.

“I hope there’s lessons learned in this because this is a new thing,” said Rogan.

“We had never had this before. No one that was alive today had ever experienced a true pandemic and I’m hoping that now that this is over, people are going to recognize that some serious errors were made and not repeat those.”

The pair specifically mentioned how California Gov. Gavin Newsom was caught unmasked at a swanky Michelin-starred restaurant while his state banned indoor dining.

“As far as compensation for all of those people that were forced to close their businesses and keep their doors shuttered and lost everything they had worked for decades to build — no, they’re just going to be angry,” Rogan continued.

Rodgers asked Rogan what he would tell those people, and the host replied, “Vote Republican.”

He reiterated his support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and his "open and reasonable policies" during the pandemic, saying he was unfairly criticized. 

“[DeSantis] was widely criticized for this, where he was saying, we need to protect our elders, we need to make sure that medical care is available for those people, and everyone else should be able to do whatever you want to do. Protect your freedom,” Rogan said.

Rogan’s statement sparked a backlash on social media from liberals, calling him “ignorant.” Some even demanded a boycott of his show.

“Joe Rogan is a stupid motherfucker who is idolized by stupid motherfuckers and him telling those stupid motherfuckers to vote Republican isn't going to make a difference because stupid motherfuckers already vote Republican,” tweeted historian James Fell.

Joe Rogan is a stupid motherfucker who is idolized by stupid motherfuckers and him telling those stupid motherfuckers to vote Republican isn't going to make a difference because stupid motherfuckers already vote Republican.

— James Fell (@BodyForWife) August 30, 2022

Left-wing group Occupy Democrats called Rogan’s advice to vote Republican as “a form of supposed payback for businesses closing down” during the pandemic “dangerous rhetoric as the GOP embraces full fascism.”

If you support a boycott of Spotify until they drop Joe Rogan’s podcast after he just ignorantly urged Americans to “vote Republican” as payback for businesses closing down due to the pandemic — dangerous rhetoric as the GOP embraces full fascism — please retweet and follow us!

— Occupy Democrats (@OccupyDemocrats) August 29, 2022

Rogan, who has an exclusive $100 million contract with Spotify, has been targeted by boycotts before. In January, musician Neil Young led a small exodus off the platform after demanding the streaming platform choose between him or Rogan.