Some hosts on The View were not thrilled by the suggestion that Joe Rogan should host a presidential debate.
Sunny Hostin and Joy Behar condemned the notion that Rogan, a podcast host with millions of listeners, should host a presidential debate one day after President Trump endorsed the idea. Hostin said that Rogan is too controversial to host the debate, and Behar agreed.
“When you talk about Joe Rogan, who has notably made misogynistic, racist, homophobic comments, that’s someone who I have no interest in being given that kind of honor,” Hostin said.
Rogan has been criticized for making jokes about black neighborhoods and for his beliefs about transgender people participating in sports. Meghan McCain acknowledged that Rogan is controversial but endorsed the idea of having someone outside the mainstream host a debate rather than “old school” journalists.
“He has an absolutely huge audience. He’s controversial to some people. To other people, he’s basically like the everyman who is speaking truth to power, depending on your perspective. I think what this says is two things. No. 1, I was personally very disappointed with the debate moderator choices. And I’m very disappointed in the way our media has been questioning both of these candidates. I think we deserve better,” McCain said.
“These are uncomfortable and very dangerous times. And I think that we should be asking both of these candidates uncomfortable questions. … I think that’s why this Joe Rogan conversation has gained so much traction and attention online. And I would love to see it happen. But I think there’s probably no way it’s going to ultimately end up happening. But I do think if President Trump ends up doing an interview with Joe Rogan, it could be very fascinating and a game changer,” she added.
Host Whoopi Goldberg agreed with McCain and noted that Charlamagne tha God, who hosts The Breakfast Club, has had some of the most impactful interviews of the campaign. Behar said that she believes there needs to be fact-checkers during the debates but added that maybe The View should be allowed to host one.
“Maybe we could do it. That would be something,” Behar said.
