June 15, 2023, podcast host Joe Rogan interviewed1 Democratic presidential
candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for three hours. Contrary to so
many other interviewers, Rogan allowed Kennedy ample time to
discuss his views on vaccines without interruptions.
The facts laid out by Kennedy apparently rubbed vaccine
scientist Dr. Peter Hotez2 the wrong way. In a June 17 tweet, Hotez
posted a Vice article titled Spotify has Stopped Even Sort of
Trying to Stem Joe Rogans Vaccine Misinformation.
Addressing the author of that smear piece, Hotez stated, Its
really true @annamerian just awful. And from all the online attacks
Im receiving after this absurd podcast, its clear many actually
believe this nonsense. Never mind the fact that Hotez, in April
2020, was allowed to argue his pro-vaccine stance on Rogans
show.3
Hotezs fly-by smear attempt set off an extended back-and-forth
Twitter exchange between Hotez, Rogan and Kennedy. In the video
above, comedian Jimmy Dore reviews those exchanges.
Rogan Offers Hotez $100K to Debate Kennedy
Rogan replied to Hotez tweet, saying, Peter, if you claim what
RFK Jr. is saying is misinformation, I am offering you $100,000.00
to the charity of your choice if youre willing to debate him on my
show with no time limit.
Kennedy also chimed in, tweeting, Peter. Lets finally have the
respectful, congenial, informative debate that the American people
deserve. Hotez replied to Rogan, Joe, you have my cell, my email,
Im always willing to speak with you.
Rogan, in turn, replied This is a non-answer. I challenged you
publicly because you publicly quote tweeted and agreed with that
dogshit Vice article. If youre serious about what you stand for,
you now have a massive opportunity for a debate that will reach the
largest audience a discussion like this has ever had. If you think
someone else is better qualified, suggest that person.
Hotez came back at Rogan: Joe, if you are serious about
addressing vaccines + the fact that 200,000 unvaccinated Americans
needlessly perished during our awful delta/BA.1 COVID waves ...
because they fell victims to vaccine disinformation: I want to have
that discussion.
So, hes willing to go on Rogans show again by himself. But not
with someone who knows the science w...