This is a very well-written, very deep, and profoundly fair assessment of Rogan and his massive popularity (though it needs a (2020) tag). For the uninitiated, Borges' Aleph[1]—which the article obviously references—is an incredible read (especially if you're a fan of magical realism).
When we can now assess the weight of the American peoples' opinion (30%) regardless of what percentage agree on the measure (i.e. 100%) it is fair to say that the parties of this political system are not representing the people. Absolutely untrustworthy journalism from every direction has led to enormous support for someone who merely allows others to speak and questions their premises.
Your concern should be that major corporations with considerable political interests control every major news organization and they have determined sensationalism /fear mongering/race baiting provide the best ROI
I feel like there’s something unfair or even just silly about evaluating “guy with opinions” (any guy) vs what are sort of political memes is silly.
And honestly I see so much of that it’s tiresome. I’ll express concern over something and be accused of supporting something else, and so on. People only seem to imagine these kind of political memes these days.
Granted maybe the point is that politics is disconnected from many people’s thoughts, that’s fair and probably accurate.
I would hazard that taking Rogan seriously is his greatest source of power. I'm not a fan, I've mostly stayed out of the loop but if he doesn't take himself seriously then why should anyone else?
He commands a massive audience and, most importantly, the trust of that audience.
I called Trump a gameshow host while he was in office. But, he was the most powerful man in the free world. I wouldn't judge a person by the weakest moments of their past when they are at their strongest in the present.
Kanye West really was the best candidate. Even better than Bernie. Though I guess many people here at HN would have preferred Yang, and that's a valid opinion too.
[1] https://web.mit.edu/allanmc/www/borgesaleph.pdf