In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, renowned podcast host Joe Rogan voiced his deep concerns about the future of free speech if Kamala Harris were to win the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Rogan, known for his unfiltered takes, didn’t hold back in his analysis, warning that Harris’ policies could potentially intensify censorship, especially on social media platforms.
Rogan’s conversation centered around the growing restrictions on digital platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which he argues are eroding free expression. In contrast, he praised platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Rumble for maintaining more open policies toward speech. “I don’t think it [censorship] turns around if Kamala Harris gets into office. I think they clamp down more,” Rogan remarked, issuing a stark forecast for the state of digital freedom under a Harris administration.
Harris’ Track Record on Social Media Accountability
Rogan’s fears stem from Harris’ past rhetoric, particularly a speech she delivered in 2019 at an NAACP event. During that address, Harris criticized social media companies for allowing hate speech and misinformation to flourish unchecked. “We will hold social media platforms accountable for the hate infiltrating their platforms because they have a responsibility to help fight against this threat to our democracy,” Harris declared.
While Harris positioned her stance as a move to protect democracy, Rogan interpreted it as a prelude to more draconian regulations that could threaten free expression online. His sentiment was shared by tech mogul Elon Musk, who owns X. Responding to Rogan’s remarks, Musk tweeted, “Joe Rogan is absolutely right,” agreeing that the First Amendment could be at risk if Harris wins the presidency.
Mark Zuckerberg Weighs In on Government Pressure
The pressure on social media companies is nothing new. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), has admitted that his company faced significant demands from the government to remove certain content, particularly around elections and pandemic-related information. Zuckerberg called this pressure “wrong,” pointing to the difficult balance platforms must strike between content moderation and free speech.
Rogan cited these instances to underscore how governmental influence has already impacted the online landscape and expressed concern that a Harris administration could further embolden these measures. “There’s even the possibility that Elon Musk could lose his privileges,” Rogan mused, referring to how Harris might impose stricter regulations on platforms like X.
The Debate Over Free Speech and Misinformation
A significant part of Rogan’s argument revolved around the ongoing debate over what constitutes protected speech in a democracy. He specifically took issue with Democratic figures like Tim Walz, who has previously argued that the First Amendment does not apply to hate speech or misinformation. Rogan sharply countered, “The First Amendment certainly does [protect against such speech].”
This position is supported by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in 2021 that hate speech is not exempt from First Amendment protections. However, the boundaries of misinformation, particularly in the context of public health, remain a contentious issue. Rogan referenced the requirement to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of how speech labeled as misinformation later proved to be grounded in reality. “So much of what was banned turns out to be true,” he asserted.
Declining Support for the First Amendment?
These debates come amid shifting public opinion on free speech. According to a recent Freedom Forum survey, only 58% of Americans say they would still support the First Amendment in today’s context, marking a four-point drop from 2020. Rogan’s concerns seem to align with this growing skepticism, as he argues that the erosion of support for free speech is a troubling trend in modern America.
As the 2024 election approaches, Rogan’s warnings serve as a reminder of the high stakes surrounding the protection of free speech in the digital age. Whether Kamala Harris’ policies will indeed pose a significant threat to these freedoms remains to be seen, but Rogan and others like Elon Musk are making sure the debate stays front and center.