Trump Outpaces Harris Among Joe Rogan Listeners

Listeners of Joe Rogan’s widely popular podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” are showing a strong preference for former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. A recent survey conducted by Edison Research indicates that while a significant number of Rogan’s audience remains undecided, Trump garners more definitive support among listeners compared to Harris. This survey, which involved 418 weekly listeners of Rogan’s show, was conducted between July 23 and September and was released shortly after Trump’s lengthy appearance on the podcast.

The survey results reveal that 40% of respondents expressed they would “definitely” vote for Trump, while only 21% stated the same for Harris. In addition to this, the data shows a substantial portion of listeners are hesitant or noncommittal about their choices. Specifically, 5% indicated they would “probably” support Harris, compared to 14% for Trump, with 16% remaining undecided.

This survey’s timing is notable, as Trump’s recent three-hour interview on Rogan’s podcast has achieved significant viewership, racking up over 40 million views on YouTube since its release on October 25. The interview is part of a broader strategy employed by both Trump and Harris, as they seek to engage with younger voters through various media channels.

One intriguing aspect of the demographic data from the survey is the gender breakdown of Rogan’s audience. Approximately 80% of his listeners are male, a demographic that traditionally leans more towards supporting Trump. Edison’s research indicates this trend aligns with broader polling trends, highlighting a notable gender gap in voter preferences for the upcoming election. For instance, a recent USA Today/Suffolk University poll indicated that women favored Harris over Trump by a margin of 53% to 36%, while men showed the opposite preference, supporting Trump by 53% to 37%. If these trends continue through Election Day, it could signify the largest gender gap in voting since 1980.

The uncertainty surrounding Harris’s potential appearance on Rogan’s podcast has garnered attention. In a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Rogan mentioned that while the Harris campaign had not outright declined to participate, they proposed a date and location that did not align with Rogan’s availability. Rogan expressed his eagerness to have a genuine conversation with Harris, emphasizing, “My sincere wish is to just have a nice conversation and get to know her as a human being. I really hope we can make it happen.” This situation highlights the challenge both candidates face in effectively communicating with Rogan’s young and diverse audience.

Launched in 2009, “The Joe Rogan Experience” has established itself as a leading platform in the podcasting world, currently holding the top spot on Spotify’s podcast list. With more than 18 million subscribers on YouTube, Rogan’s podcast is part of a lucrative $250 million deal between him and Spotify that emphasizes the influence of podcasting in modern media. Rogan, who is not only a podcast host but also a comedian and UFC commentator, attracts a variety of high-profile guests on his show. His willingness to invite Trump, despite previously labeling him a “threat to democracy” and declining to have him on the show in 2022, illustrates the shifting dynamics of political discourse and engagement in the digital age.

Both Trump and Harris are actively leveraging podcasts and other media outlets to resonate with younger voters, a demographic that constitutes a significant portion of Rogan’s audience. According to Edison Research, over half of Rogan’s listeners—51%—are aged between 18 and 34 years old. Moreover, many of these listeners identify as independents or hold affiliations outside of the two major parties, with 32% identifying as Republicans and 27% as Democrats. This diverse audience presents an opportunity for both candidates to connect with voters who may not align strictly with traditional party lines.

As the election approaches, both Trump and Harris will continue to navigate the complexities of voter engagement through platforms like Rogan’s podcast, which has become a critical medium for reaching a younger, more eclectic audience. The potential for Harris to appear on Rogan’s show remains a topic of interest, and it could significantly influence her visibility among younger voters who may be more inclined to tune in for informal discussions on contemporary issues.

Adding another layer to this evolving narrative, Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, is reportedly scheduled for an interview with Rogan, further entrenching the podcast’s role in political discourse. As these dynamics unfold, the impact of media platforms like “The Joe Rogan Experience” on electoral outcomes will likely be closely scrutinized in the months leading up to the election.

In summary, the survey results paint a vivid picture of the political landscape as it pertains to Rogan’s listeners, highlighting a marked preference for Trump over Harris. The ongoing discussions about potential future interviews may shape the strategies of both campaigns, emphasizing the growing significance of digital media in contemporary politics.