California Gov. Newsom Moves On from Rogan, Questions His Debate Confidence
California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently declared he is “moving on” from the podcast host Joe Rogan. This statement was made during a CNN interview with Elex Michaelson, where Newsom also questioned Rogan’s confidence, implying he may be reluctant to host the governor.
Newsom’s Comments on Rogan
In the interview, Michaelson referenced a clip from The Joe Rogan Experience. In that clip, Rogan mentions he does not want to have Newsom as a guest, suggesting the governor would “cook himself.” In response, Newsom criticized Rogan’s consistent refusal to invite him, stating, “For years and years, he’s been attacking me.” He emphasized he has no interest in being on Rogan’s show, calling the podcast host the “Facebook of podcasting.”
Despite Rogan’s podcast ranking first on Spotify with an impressive 16 to 24 million downloads monthly, Newsom maintained a dismissive stance. “If he has a big audience, but he doesn’t have big enough confidence, I didn’t go there,” said the governor. This remark highlights the ongoing tension between the two figures.
Back-and-Forth Between Newsom and Rogan
The exchange comes after a period of escalating conflict. Earlier in October, Newsom appeared on “Higher Learning,” a YouTube show, where he challenged Rogan directly. Rogan had previously labeled Newsom a “bullshit artist” and accused him of ruining California. Newsom responded assertively, stating, “I’m punching Joe Rogan, that son of a b—h is not used to that.”
During the CNN interview, Michaelson pointed out that Newsom had previously called Rogan a “chicken.” Newsom reiterated his concerns about Rogan’s unwillingness to engage in a civil dialogue. “Why don’t you have a chance to come on? Let’s have a civil dialogue,” he urged, reflecting his desire for an open discussion.
Comparing Platforms
Newsom compared Rogan’s hesitance to his own experiences on various major media platforms. He questioned, “If I can go on Sean Ryan and Sean Hannity, what are you worried about?” This statement implies that Newsom sees no reason for Rogan to shy away from the conversation.
Rogan’s Broad Guest List
Rogan has hosted numerous political figures across the spectrum. Notably, he interviewed President Donald Trump just prior to the 2024 election and extended an invitation to former Vice President Kamala Harris, although she could not commit at that time.
- Governor: Gavin Newsom
- Podcast Host: Joe Rogan
- Podcast Reach: 16 to 24 million downloads monthly
- Platforms Mentioned: Sean Ryan and Sean Hannity
The exchange between Newsom and Rogan indicates a significant ongoing discourse in California politics, showcasing differing views on media engagement and public dialogue.
