Joe Rogan Expresses Bewilderment Over Canada’s Liberal Victory, Recalls Freedom Convoy Crackdown
Popular podcaster Joe Rogan voiced his surprise regarding the recent Canadian federal election results, which saw the Liberal Party secure a fourth consecutive victory. Rogan, known for his candid commentary and wide-ranging interviews, discussed the election outcome with hunting podcaster Cameron Hanes, expressing particular astonishment given the controversies surrounding the previous Liberal government’s actions.
Rogan highlighted the unexpected turn of events in the election. He noted that Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, had initially appeared to be on track to potentially unseat the Liberals and form a majority government. However, the political landscape shifted, ultimately leading to another Liberal win under the leadership of Mark Carney. The article suggests that former President Donald Trump’s threats of annexation and tariffs against Canada, a key US ally, influenced this outcome, giving Carney and the Liberals an advantage.
The conversation then pivoted to the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests, a significant event that drew international attention. Rogan’s guest, Cameron Hanes, brought up the Trudeau government’s response to the protests, which involved hundreds of truckers and thousands of demonstrators converging on Ottawa to protest vaccine mandates, coronavirus passports, and other government restrictions. The protests, which clogged the streets around Parliament, sparked a fierce debate about civil liberties and government overreach.
Rogan expressed disbelief at the government’s actions during the Freedom Convoy, specifically referencing the freezing of bank accounts belonging to individuals who donated to the protest. He described the incident as "insane" and seemed perplexed that the same political party responsible for such measures could subsequently win another election. This reflects a sentiment of bewilderment shared by some observers, who question how a government that took such actions could retain public support.
Further fueling Rogan’s surprise was the fact that he had extended an invitation to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to appear on his podcast. Rogan claimed that Poilievre declined the invitation, reportedly due to concerns from his advisors who deemed it "too problematic." Rogan, known for his direct style, reacted to this perceived snub with a touch of sarcasm, suggesting that Poilievre might have missed an opportunity to connect with a large and engaged audience.
The article also touched upon the growing influence of podcasts in political discourse. Some observers have characterized the 2024 presidential election as the "podcast election," recognizing the significant role that podcasts play in shaping public opinion and providing alternative platforms for candidates to communicate their messages. The article notes that Trump’s appearance on Rogan’s podcast was considered a pivotal moment in the election cycle, while a potential interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris that did not materialize was viewed as a strategic misstep.
Hanes defended Rogan’s interviewing style, arguing that he is not a "gotcha" journalist and conducts friendly interviews. Rogan echoed this sentiment, stating that he would have posed straightforward questions to Poilievre about the state of Canadian politics, the reasons behind the Liberal victory, and potential solutions to address the country’s challenges. He emphasized his lack of in-depth knowledge about Canadian politics, suggesting that the interview would have served as an opportunity for him to learn and for Poilievre to share his perspective with a wider audience.
Rogan said he would ask Poilievre, “What’s wrong with Canada? How did this happen? and Why did it go this way? What can be done to reverse some of these things that have been put into place? Like, ‘How did you feel about this? What would you have done differently?’ Real simple stuff. I don’t know anything about Canada’s politics. It would have been fun."
The article concludes by noting that Fox News Digital reached out to Poilievre’s team for comment but did not receive an immediate response. This leaves open the question of why Poilievre declined the invitation and whether he might reconsider appearing on Rogan’s podcast in the future. The incident highlights the complex calculations that politicians often make when deciding which media platforms to engage with, balancing the potential benefits of reaching a large audience with the risks of facing tough questions or being perceived as endorsing a particular viewpoint.
The story underscores the evolving media landscape and the increasing importance of alternative platforms like podcasts in shaping political discourse. Rogan’s commentary on the Canadian election reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking out independent voices and challenging mainstream narratives. His surprise at the Liberal victory, coupled with his criticism of the government’s response to the Freedom Convoy, highlights the divisions and debates that continue to shape Canadian politics.
