OPINION| In a recent episode of his wildly popular podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the outspoken host took aim at the New York Times for what he described as “gaslighting” the public about President Joe Biden’s mental state. Rogan, known for his no-holds-barred approach to discussing current events, didn’t mince words when it came to the media’s handling of Biden’s gaffes and apparent cognitive decline.
The controversy began when the NY Times published an article claiming that Biden’s mental acuity was beyond reproach, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. The article cited various sources, including Democratic politicians and Biden’s own aides, who insisted that the president was sharp as ever and fully capable of leading the country.
However, Rogan wasn’t buying it. He pointed out that the NY Times, along with other mainstream media outlets, had been consistently downplaying or outright ignoring Biden’s numerous verbal stumbles and lapses in memory. The most glaring example came when Biden, during a recent speech, seemed to forget the name of his own Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin.
“It’s like they’re trying to convince us that up is down and left is right,” Rogan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Joe Biden is the picture of mental fitness, folks. Just ignore the fact that he can’t remember the names of his own cabinet members.”
Rogan also criticized the NY Times for what he called “gaslighting” the public. “Gaslighting is when someone tries to manipulate you into questioning your own reality,” he explained. “And that’s exactly what the NY Times is doing. They’re trying to convince us that we’re crazy for even thinking that Biden might be slipping mentally.”
The host went on to play a montage of Biden’s most notable gaffes, including the time he referred to Kamala Harris as “President Harris” and the infamous “you ain’t black” comment. “These aren’t just innocent mistakes,” Rogan argued. “They’re signs of a man who’s struggling to keep up with the demands of the presidency.”
Rogan’s takedown of the NY Times’ reporting on Biden’s mental fitness struck a chord with his audience, many of whom are Trump supporters who have long been skeptical of the mainstream media’s objectivity. The host’s willingness to call out what he sees as journalistic malpractice has endeared him to conservatives who feel marginalized by the media establishment.
Of course, not everyone agrees with Rogan’s assessment of Biden’s mental state. Supporters of the president argue that his occasional gaffes are simply a result of his age and should not be used to question his fitness for office. They point to Biden’s decades of experience in politics and his ability to navigate complex policy issues as evidence that he is still capable of leading the country.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it’s clear that Rogan’s criticism of the NY Times has struck a nerve. The episode has reignited the debate over the media’s role in shaping public perception and the importance of holding our elected officials accountable for their actions and words.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, it’s likely that Biden’s mental fitness will continue to be a topic of discussion. And with influential voices like Joe Rogan willing to challenge the mainstream narrative, it’s clear that the media will have to work harder than ever to maintain its credibility in the eyes of the public.
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