Joe Rogan and Bernie Sanders delve into climate policies and campaign integrity, raising critical questions ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
At a Glance
- Senator Bernie Sanders, 83, appeared on “The Joe Rogan Experience” and demurred on a potential 2028 presidential run, citing his age.
- Rogan challenged Sanders on his climate change stance and the influence of “big money” donors in politics.
- Sanders reiterated his call to pause military aid to Israel and criticized the influence of the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC.
- The wide-ranging interview also covered the federal minimum wage, artificial intelligence, and the future of the Democratic party.
Sanders on a Potential 2028 Presidential Run
In a wide-ranging interview on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the question of another presidential bid. When host Joe Rogan asked if he planned to run in 2028, Sanders was noncommittal, citing his age as a significant factor.
“I am 83 years of age. I’m not sure the American people would be too enthusiastic,” Sanders said, according to The Hill. Rogan pushed back gently, noting, “You’re still very with it. I mean, you’re a couple of years older than Biden.” Sanders acknowledged the point before pivoting to his ongoing work with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and their “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies.
Rogan Spars with Sanders on Climate and Campaign Finance
Rogan challenged Sanders on several of his long-held positions. On climate change, Rogan questioned the senator’s sense of emergency by citing a Washington Post article that, he claimed, showed the Earth was in a long-term cooling period when viewed over geological time. Sanders, who appeared unfamiliar with the article, dismissed the point to focus on the scientific consensus of recent, rapid warming.
The two also sparred over the influence of “big money” in politics. As reported by RealClearPolitics, after Sanders criticized billionaire Elon Musk’s contributions to Donald Trump’s campaign, Rogan countered that both political parties are heavily reliant on wealthy donors, a point that Sanders conceded while maintaining his opposition to the system.
A Firm Stance on Foreign Policy and Domestic Issues
Sanders was unequivocal on other key issues. He reiterated his call to pause U.S. military aid to Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza. He was also sharply critical of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), accusing the powerful lobby of having “knocked off good members of Congress” who are critical of Israeli policy.
The senator also used the popular platform to advocate for his signature domestic policies, including raising the “insanely low” $7 federal minimum wage and leveraging AI-driven productivity gains to implement a four-day workweek for American workers. While the question of a future presidential run remains unanswered, the interview provided a clear snapshot of the ideas that continue to drive the progressive movement in America.
