podcasts
Populist podcasters love RFK, Jr., and he took the same left-right turn toward Trump as they did
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., once a Democrat, endorsed Trump and aims to lead Health and Human Services, symbolizing a notable shift in populist political dynamics.
Rachel Meade, Boston University
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in the new administration. The idea of Trump, a Republican, appointing Kennedy to his cabinet would have been surprising just a few months ago.
After all, Kennedy began his presidential run last year as a Democrat and is the scion of a Democratic dynasty. Nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and the son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Kennedy spent most of his career as a lawyer representing environmental groups that sued polluting corporations and municipalities.
Yet Kennedy, 70, has long held positions that put him at odds with the Democratic mainstream. He pushes public health misinformation around vaccines and HIV/AIDS, opposes U.S. military involvement in foreign wars, including in Ukraine, and claims that the CIA assassinated his uncle.
Kennedy’s ideologically mixed politics are hard to categorize in traditional left-right terms.
My political science research finds that Kennedy’s journey from left-aligned skepticism into Trumpism is part of a broader trend of contemporary left-to-right populist transformations happening across the United States.
Rise of the populist alternative media
Populism is a political story that presents the good “people” of a nation as in a struggle against its “elites,” who have corrupted democratic institutions to further their own selfish interests. It cuts across the ideological spectrum, often combining left-wing economic critiques with right-wing cultural ones.
Based on my research, I find that Kennedy uses a populist style of speech that matches the rhetoric of today’s online alternative media, also known as the “alternative influence network.”
If populism cuts across the ideological spectrum, so does the alternative media.
This network of politically diverse independent podcasters, YouTube hosts and other creators connects with young, politically disaffected audiences by mixing politics with comedy and pop culture, and presenting themselves as embattled defenders of free thinking – in opposition to mainstream media and mainstream parties.
Top-rated shows include “Breaking Points,” “Stay Free with Russell Brand,” “The Joe Rogan Experience,” The Culture War with Tim Pool“ and ”This Past Weekend w/Theo Von.“
While many of these shows have been around since the 2010s, the network expanded throughout the Trump era. Their popularity skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public distrust in government, anger over pandemic restrictions and vaccine skepticism surged.
These shows hosted Kennedy frequently throughout his presidential run in 2023 and 2024. He was particularly focused on a class of male-dominated alternative shows sometimes called the ”manosphere.“
Kennedy finds his audience
I analyzed a set of Kennedy’s appearances for this story. Both Kennedy and alternative media hosts claim to care about “the real issues” facing Americans such as war, corporate and political malfeasance and economic troubles. They condemn the “mainstream” for promoting frivolous “culture war” topics related to race and identity politics.
Kennedy and the alternative media hosts also combine left and right arguments in a typically populist way. They claim that corporations control the government and that liberals and corporations censor free speech.
For example, on a May 2024 episode of “Stay Free with Russell Brand,” Brand asserted that corrupt institutions are backed by the “deep state.” He asked Kennedy how he would fight these powerful interests.
“The major agencies of government have all been captured by the industries they’re supposed to regulate and act as sock puppets serving the mercantile interests of these big corporations,” responded Kennedy. “I have a particular ability to unravel that because I’ve litigated against so many of these agencies.”
My research found that Kennedy often bonded with his alternative media hosts over his perception that liberal media sources – allegedly controlled by the Democratic National Committee or the CIA – were censoring his campaign.
Like Kennedy, alternative media hosts often identify as former or disaffected Democrats. Many used to work at mainstream left news sites, where they say they experienced censorship.
‘This little island of free speech’
In a June 2023 episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan explained that he no longer identifies as a liberal because of the “orthodoxy it preaches” around issues like vaccines. He then cited YouTube’s removal of some of Kennedy’s vaccine-related videos for violating its COVID-19 misinformation policy.
Kennedy had just spent 90 minutes outlining his journey toward vaccine skepticism, which started with meeting a mother who believed vaccines caused her son’s autism.
“If a woman tells you something about her child, you should listen,” he said.
Kennedy also described being convinced by a set of studies that public health officials had ignored.
“Trust the experts is not a function of science, it’s a function of religion,” he said. “I’ve been litigating 40 years; there’s experts on both sides.”
Afterward, he thanked Rogan for maintaining “this little island of free speech in a desert of suppression and of critical thinking.”
Kennedy reiterated this point in the Aug. 23, 2024, speech that ended his presidential campaign. The “alternative media” had kept his ideas alive, he said, while the mainstream networks had shut him out despite his historically high third-party poll numbers of 15% to 20%.
“The DNC-allied mainstream media networks maintained a near-perfect embargo on interviews with me,” Kennedy said.
Speaking directly to the reporters in the room, he added, “Your institutions and media made themselves government mouthpieces and stenographers for the organs of power.”
Kennedy ended that speech by endorsing Trump for president, a move that reportedly prompted Trump to promise his former rival a role overseeing health policy in his administration.
Left-to-right pipeline
Trust in a range of U.S. institutions is at historical lows. Americans on both the right and the left are skeptical of power. As the 2024 election results showed, they crave radical change.
Alternative media hosts tapped into this desire, helping to push some disaffected listeners rightward. The same left-to-right pipeline landed Kennedy in Trump’s orbit.
Trump and his allies were adept at harnessing the power of the alternative media ecosystem. During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump appeared on male-centric shows like “The Joe Rogan Experience,” and “This Past Weekend w/Theo Von,” and many media critics see this as a big factor in Trump’s success winning over young, male voters. Both Rogan and Von were personally thanked by name at Trump’s victory celebration.
Trump and his inner circle even form part of the alternative media themselves. Trump founded the alternative social media platform Truth Social and his adviser Steve Bannon hosts an influential podcast called the “War Room” on another MAGA alternative media platform, Rumble. Known for its fiery populist rhetoric, the “War Room” broadcasts live for an astonishing 22 hours a week.
Bannon, who was briefly jailed for contempt of Congress in mid-2024 and now faces trial in New York for financial fraud, used his show as a soapbox to promote Trump’s candidacy. He also praised Kennedy on the air, boosting the Democrat’s profile among his far-right listeners.
For Kennedy, aisle-crossing is part of the solution to partisan polarization.
“Step outside the culture war!” he tweeted in July 2024. “Step outside the politics of hating the other side!”
This story has been updated to reflect the outcome of the 2024 election and Kennedy’s likely nomination to Trump’s cabinet. It was originally published on Oct. 29, 2024.
Rachel Meade, Lecturer of Political Science, Boston University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Entertainment
“Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report: Hive 16mm Paddle Review”
Get the lowdown on the latest episode of Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report, featuring an in-depth review of the Hive 16mm paddle from Reign and Win.
In the latest episode of Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report, Mike Sleeves Sliwa delivered an insightful paddle review, focusing on the much-anticipated Hive 16mm from Reign and Win. As an authority in the pickleball community, Sleeves’ expertise and attention to detail provided viewers with a comprehensive analysis of the paddle’s performance.
During the review, Sleeves highlighted the Hive 16mm’s innovative design, emphasizing its honeycomb core and the impact it had on the paddle’s feel and responsiveness. He meticulously assessed its power, control, and maneuverability, catering to both seasoned players and newcomers to the sport.
Sleeves’ engaging presentation and genuine passion for the game made this paddle review not only informative but also entertaining. His candid insights and practical demonstrations undoubtedly left viewers eager to get their hands on the Hive 16mm for their next game. As always, Sleeves continues to be a trusted source for pickleball enthusiasts seeking reliable gear reviews and expert advice.
Use the code “Reign10” and get 10% off your purchase. A percentage of proceeds go to Non-Profit Bee Farmers. SAVE THE BEES! https://reignandwinpickleball.com/pro…
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Discover the newest apparel and accessories for the Senior Pickleball Report by SLEEVES, now available through Santa Barbara Happy! Use the discount code: Sleeve10 for 10% off.
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Fitville is offering a discount to you, the viewers of Sleeve’s SPR… Use this code to get 30% off: SPR30
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Learn about the R.A.W. (Reign and Win) Excluder 1, a fantastic paddle that supports non-profit bee farmers and contributes to preserving bees. Use the promo code “Reign10” to get a 10% discount on your purchase. Let’s work together to save the bees, who play a vital role in sustaining life on our planet. Click the link below to find out more about this product.
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Sports
Unveiling the Journey: Rising Pickleball Sensation Connor Garnett in Conversation with Mike Sleeves Sliwa
“Get exclusive insights into Connor Garnett’s journey from amateur to pro in the latest episode of Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report.”
In the latest episode of the podcast, People of Pickleball, Mike Sleeves Sliwa sits down with the rising pickleball sensation, Connor Garnett.
Garnett shares his journey from amateur to professional, offering insights into his training regimen and mental approach to the game.
Listeners get an inside look at Garnett’s strategies for success, including his thoughts on the evolving landscape of competitive pickleball.
Sliwa delves into Garnett’s experiences on and off the court, revealing the dedication and passion that drive this young athlete forward.
The episode provides a compelling narrative of determination and skill, inspiring both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
Tune in to hear the full interview and gain valuable tips from one of pickleball’s most promising talents.
Sleeve’s SPR on the web:
Sign up for the SPR Newsletter and get news and episode release info right into your inbox:
https://sleeves-spr.com/newsletter-sign-up/
Merch links and affiliate links…
Sleeves shirt and hat: PIKL Nation, https://www.piklnation.com
Visit Miles Jane and get $15 off by using code SLEEVES15OFF when you make a purchase.
MilesJane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milesjane_pickleball/
#PickleballFashion
Discover the newest apparel and accessories for the Senior Pickleball Report by SLEEVES, now available through Santa Barbara Happy! Use the discount code: Sleeve10 for 10% off.
PiklNation: We believe that pickleball is not just a game, but a lifestyle. Our mission is to add joy, style, and humor to the pickleball community. https://www.piklnation.com/
Check out the Bread & Butter Filth and get 15% off your purchase ( use the code SleevesPBR):
https://www.bnbpickleball.com/?sca_ref=4297023.2Ijsgs79j6..
Picklin is revolutionizing pickleball practice with The Dink Net! Improve your dink game and revolutionize your practice with this portable net that sets up in under 60 seconds. Perfect for practicing your skills anywhere, The Dink Net enhances muscle memory and helps you become an expert player faster. Picklin is dedicated to enhancing your game with innovative products, ensuring your transition into pickleball is smooth and enjoyable.
Use code SENIORPICKLEBALLREPORT for 10% off your entire order. Elevate your pickleball experience with Picklin! https://startpicklin.com/seniorpickleballreport
Fitville is offering a discount to you, the viewers of Sleeve’s SPR… Use this code to get 30% off: SPR30
35% OFF for New User: SPR35
Learn about the R.A.W. (Reign and Win) Excluder 1, a fantastic paddle that supports non-profit bee farmers and contributes to preserving bees. Use the promo code “Reign10” to get a 10% discount on your purchase. Let’s work together to save the bees, who play a vital role in sustaining life on our planet. Click the link below to find out more about this product.
SPR Shirts and merch: https://stm-store.online/spr-merchand...
Just Paddles https://www.justpaddles.com/?rfsn=660...
#pickleball
#seniorpickleball
#pickleballislife
Social Links:
SPR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
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SPR on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seniorpickl...
SPR on TikTok
twitter: https://twitter.com/SeniorPBReport
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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