Joe Rogan, the podcast kingpin once cozy with Trump, has just thrown a curveball by nudging a young Texas Democrat to aim for the White House.
According to the Daily Mail, in a stunning turn on his widely followed show, Rogan criticized President Donald Trump while spotlighting Texas state Rep. James Talarico as a potential presidential contender.
Rogan, who backed Trump just last year, seems to be rethinking his loyalties. His recent episodes have taken jabs at Trump over issues like the handling of sensitive government files and immigration enforcement policies targeting those without criminal records. He even called Trump’s spat with Canada downright “stupid,” signaling a sharp pivot.
Adding fuel to the fire, Rogan didn’t hold back on Republican policies either, labeling strict abortion laws as “very creepy.” That’s a bold statement from a voice often resonating with conservative listeners, and it raises eyebrows about where his true allegiances lie.
Enter James Talarico, the 36-year-old Democratic rising star who caught Rogan’s attention with viral social media clips. Talarico, a former teacher now in seminary school with preacher aspirations, joined the Texas legislature back in 2018 at just 28. He’s built a following with millions of Instagram views for his passionate speeches.
Rogan invited Talarico onto his podcast after spotting a video of the lawmaker opposing the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. “We need someone who is a good person,” Rogan declared, seemingly pinning his hopes on Talarico’s moral compass. But let’s be real, character alone doesn’t win elections in today’s cutthroat political arena.
Talarico isn’t your typical politician, blending devout religious beliefs with a fierce stand against what he sees as ‘Christian Nationalism’ on the right—a stance Rogan admired. Yet, his 2021 claim in the Texas statehouse that there are ‘six genders’ might make conservative listeners squirm. It’s a reminder that his progressive ideas could clash with the traditional values many hold dear.
“The point is that biologically speaking, sex is a spectrum,” Talarico argued back then. That’s a tough pill to swallow for those who see such statements as part of a broader cultural overreach, even if he intends to foster understanding. Talarico himself seems wary of political idolatry, cautioning against blind faith in leaders. “People put all their faith in a politician,” he told Rogan, reflecting on how politics mimics religion. Wise words, but they beg the question: does he see himself as above that fray, or just another player in the game?
Seen as a fresh face in the Democratic Party, Talarico is reportedly weighing a long-shot run for the U.S. Senate. His backstory—rooted in a classic Democratic ethos of championing the underdog, as he credits his mother’s influence—resonates with a nostalgic appeal. “That was the classic Democratic Party,” he mused, but one wonders if that idealism holds up in today’s polarized climate.
Rogan’s evolving perspective adds another layer to this saga, as Talarico noted, “I just got the overwhelming impression that Joe Rogan is not loyal to either political party.” That skepticism of the system, including Trump, mirrors a growing sentiment among Americans tired of partisan games. Still, Rogan’s flip-flops might leave loyal MAGA supporters feeling betrayed.
Talarico’s surprise at even being on Rogan’s radar is telling. “When we got the email invitation, I originally thought it was a phishing scam,” he admitted. It’s a humble quip, but landing on such a massive platform shows he’s no longer just a state-level figure.
After a lengthy chat with Rogan, Talarico reflected, “I have a clearer understanding of where he’s coming from on a lot of this stuff.” That mutual respect could signal a rare chance for dialogue across ideological lines, though it’s doubtful many will abandon their entrenched views overnight.
Rogan’s audience, often skeptical of establishment politics, might be the real key here. As Talarico put it, “The change is going to come from your listeners, not from me.” It’s a savvy nod to grassroots power, but banking on podcast fans to shift the political tide feels like a long shot against entrenched party machines.
So, where does this leave us? Rogan’s push for Talarico, paired with his sharp critiques of Trump and GOP policies, suggests a restless search for something—or someone—new. Yet, for conservatives wary of progressive agendas, Talarico’s views on gender and religion might be a bridge too far, no matter how “good” a person he seems to be.
