Joe Rogan recently hosted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his podcast. RFK Jr. is a member of the Kennedy political dynasty, an environmental lawyer, and activist who hopes to challenge Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination. Personally, I find it discrediting that he aims to be a spoiler candidate, especially considering the threats we face from an increasingly deranged theocratically fascistic conservative movement. However, my biggest criticism of him stems from his extensive promotion of anti-vax propaganda. Most recently, he targeted the COVID vaccine, adding to his repertoire of health-related conspiracy theories. He even claims that there is no definitive proof linking HIV to AIDS. This alone should disqualify him in the eyes of any sensible and rational person. Yet, Joe Rogan and his audience fail to recognize this absurdity. Crazy isn’t the bug, it’s the feature.
During the podcast, Kennedy further discredited the COVID vaccine with Joe Rogan prodding him along and giving his claims an air of legitimacy. In response, Peter Hotez, a prominent American scientist, pediatrician, and advocate for global health and vaccinology, took to Twitter to criticize Joe Rogan for perpetuating Kennedy’s nonsense. Rogan swiftly invited Hotez to come on his show and debate Kennedy.
There’s No Reason For Hotez To Accept
Consider the sheer absurdity of having a stand-up comedian and UFC commentator moderate a debate between a noted conspiracy theorist with no medical background and a renowned medical researcher. This spectacle is purely for entertainment, not education. The anti-vax crowd cannot be swayed by empirical data presented in a clinical fashion; they prefer charismatic speakers who can make outrageous arguments sound plausible through rhetorical tricks and well-practiced debate tactics.
Dr. Hotez, a medical professor and researcher, has a distinct disadvantage in the art of public persuasion compared to Kennedy, who is a lawyer and politician. People like Kennedy excel at using selective facts to obfuscate the truth. They cherry-pick bits of information, present them without context or coherence, and sprinkle in falsehoods and made-up explanations to fill the gaps. Engaging in a debate with such individuals holds little value. It only diminishes the credibility of the person with credentials while elevating the charlatan.
I’d Watch If…
If Joe Rogan genuinely sought a meaningful debate, he could invite a couple of anti-vax doctors and researchers to engage in a conversation with someone like Peter Hotez, along with experts like Dr. Fauci or Francis Collins. Let the academics debate one another, strictly focusing on empirical data and evidence, without catering to an audience that thrives on evasive tactics and rhetorical tricks. If Rogan is unwilling to host such a show, likely knowing that his listeners would tune out at the first mention of complex concepts, he could invite someone like Sam Harris to debate RFK. Sam is a brilliant neuroscientist, philosopher, and staunch advocate for vaccines, albeit not a medical expert on COVID. He possesses exceptional public speaking and debating skills, making him a far better match for Kennedy.
It’s a difficult position for Dr Hotez. Your alternative of Sam Harris would certainly be an interesting watch.