The controversial appearance by prospective 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on The Joe Rogan Experience continues to reverberate around the news media world. Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather has opined on what he believes is a sad situation Wednesday.
In a story published to his Substack, Rather argued that the views espoused by RFK Jr. on Rogan’s podcast are dangerous.
“Joe Rogan, the right-wing podcast host and frequent amplifier of conspiracy theories, welcomed notorious anti-vaxxer Robert Kennedy Jr. to his show. Kennedy is running for president as a Democratic challenger to President Biden, even though he sounds more like a MAGA Republican. Not surprisingly, he spouted his usual nonsense about the alleged dangers of vaccines, and Rogan ate it up.”
The former newsman then aimed his criticism at Twitter owner Elon Musk, arguing that his actions are causing many to leave the platform he owns.
“The idea that this is a matter of free speech is undercut when Musk uses the platform he bought to intimidate responsible voices by unleashing the mob (not to mention that we aren’t talking about government prosecution),” Rather wrote. “In the wake of this episode, reports indicate scientists are (understandably) leaving Twitter in greater numbers because it has become an increasingly vile environment for mainstreaming anti-science harassment.”
Rather concluded that people who balked at the views aired by Rogan and RFK Jr., like Dr. Peter Hotez, should be inspired rather than mocked.
“The likes of Kennedy, Rogan, and Musk are robbing us of this better future. By sowing discord and confusion, they are turning science and medicine into political footballs they toss back and forth at the public’s expense. But ultimately, the truth often wins out. Dr. Hotez and those who support him are standing up to the destructive bullying. In their courage and commitment, we can find reasons for hope.”
