Bill Maher mocked the Democratic Party on Saturday for its struggle to find ‘their Joe Rogan,’ emphasizing that the party actually lost the former supporter due to ideological shifts and perceived cancellation culture. The ‘Real Time’ host suggested that rather than searching for a new Joe Rogan, Democrats should reflect on how they lost him. In a recent episode, Maher pointed out the irony that the party that once had Rogan on its side now finds itself trying to re-win his support.
Rogan, a former Democrat, shifted his allegiance to Donald Trump in 2024, which Maher used as an example of how ideological evolution can lead to political realignment. The host compared Rogan’s transformation to the political trajectory of Elon Musk, who also moved from liberal to conservative, driven by the same factors. Both figures, according to Maher, were pushed to the right due to the radicalization of the progressive movement and the pressures of cancellation culture.
Maher referenced Musk’s 2022 Twitter post, in which he expressed frustration with the Democratic Party’s leftward shift, and highlighted how Rogan himself cited similar sentiments. The late-night host argued that the left’s attempts to cancel prominent figures like Rogan and Musk played a significant role in their departure. He noted that while he has remained in the Democratic Party, the party must work hard to bring back supporters like Rogan and Musk, but he remains optimistic about the possibility of reconciliation.
By drawing parallels between Rogan and Musk, Maher underscored a broader critique of how the Democratic Party’s evolving policies and treatment of its own may have alienated key supporters. The host’s comments reflect a common criticism that the party’s radicalization has contributed to the loss of its traditional base, and that regaining that support requires a reevaluation of its approaches and strategies.