Bernie Sanders on Joe Rogan

Bernie Sanders appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast on August 6, 2019, during his run for the Democratic presidential nomination. This appearance was notable because it placed the progressive senator in conversation with a host often associated with conservative viewpoints. Some observers praised Sanders for engaging in a pragmatic discussion across platforms, while others were surprised by his decision to appear on the show.

Joe Rogan’s reaction to the interview was publicly positive, stating afterward that Sanders “made a ton of sense” to him. This endorsement from the host, who identified himself as “100% left-wing” despite having interviewed right-wing figures, was a significant outcome of the appearance. The podcast interview itself generated substantial online attention, becoming a top-trending topic on Twitter shortly after it aired.

This engagement with Rogan illustrates Sanders's campaign tactic of utilizing non-traditional media to communicate his progressive message directly to a wide audience. The interview quickly amassed a large viewership on YouTube, demonstrating the reach of the podcast. Sanders also previously participated in a Fox News town hall, further indicating a willingness to speak with outlets sometimes viewed as hostile or skeptical of his politics.