Former President Donald Trump’s recent appearance at a UFC fight stirred up more than just excitement among fans. As usual, Trump engaged in his signature crowd-pleasing antics, shaking hands with celebrities and soaking up the cheers from the right-leaning UFC fan base.

However, one particular handshake caught the attention of political commentator Dave Rubin, who didn’t hesitate to express his discontent.

When Trump extended his hand to prominent podcaster Joe Rogan, Rubin saw red. In a segment of his show, Rubin didn’t hold back, criticizing Rogan for cozying up to Trump without making his political stance clear.

Rubin’s frustration stemmed from Rogan’s apparent reluctance to endorse Trump or declare his voting intentions. Rubin’s tirade against Rogan questioned his allegiance to the right-wing, accusing him of flirting with conservative ideals without fully committing to them. He challenged Rogan, asking if he would vote for Trump or endorse him, highlighting what he perceived as a lack of clarity in Rogan’s political stance.

The crux of Rubin’s argument boiled down to Rogan’s influential platform and the responsibility that came with it. Rubin believed that Rogan owed it to his audience to be transparent about his political leanings, especially considering the significant impact his endorsements or voting decisions could have.

However, Rubin’s criticism didn’t go unchallenged. Critics pointed out that Rogan’s political evolution wasn’t as straightforward as Rubin portrayed it. Rogan’s shift from progressive to classic liberal to libertarian and beyond indicated a nuanced perspective that didn’t neatly align with Rubin’s accusations of political indecisiveness.

Moreover, Rogan’s popularity didn’t hinge solely on his political alignment. While he engaged in discussions about politics and endorsed certain viewpoints, his appeal extended beyond partisan lines. Rogan’s ability to navigate diverse topics and entertain a wide audience contributed to his success, regardless of his political inclinations.

Ultimately, Rubin’s call for Rogan to “have some balls” and openly endorse Trump reflected a simplistic understanding of political allegiance. Rogan’s reluctance to conform to a specific political identity underscored the complexity of his views and the multifaceted nature of political engagement.

As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: in an increasingly polarized political landscape, individuals like Rogan navigate a delicate balance between personal beliefs, public influence, and the expectations of their audience.