In the ever-evolving landscape of American media, few figures have managed to stir the pot quite like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson. Both are celebrated and criticized in equal measure, yet they share a common target in former CNN anchor Don Lemon. Over the years, their critiques have transcended mere professional rivalry, evolving into a broader commentary on the state of mainstream media.
Soul Not for Sale: The Ideological Divide
At the heart of this discourse is the belief that mainstream media, represented by figures like Don Lemon, has lost its way. Rogan and Carlson’s argument is rooted in the idea that the media has sold its soul, prioritizing corporate interests and political narratives over truth and objectivity. The phrase “Soul Not for Sale” encapsulates their stance, a rejection of what they see as the moral and ethical compromises that have come to define outlets like CNN.
Colin’s Role in the Podcast Revolution
Colin, often dubbed the “Podcast Coach,” represents a new wave of media personalities who have found success outside traditional networks. In the context of this discussion, he symbolizes the shift towards independent media, where voices like Rogan’s and Carlson’s can thrive without the constraints of corporate oversight. Their podcasts have become platforms for unfiltered commentary, often targeting figures like Don Lemon who they perceive as emblematic of the problems plaguing mainstream media.
Tucker Carlson’s “Fatherly Disappointment”
Carlson’s criticism of Lemon has been particularly scathing. He often describes his interactions with Lemon in paternalistic terms, likening himself to a “disappointed father” who can’t understand where things went wrong. This metaphor extends beyond mere professional critique, implying that Lemon, in Carlson’s eyes, has betrayed the principles of journalism. “I called him when he got fired,” Carlson remarks, suggesting that he had hoped Lemon would use his departure from CNN as an opportunity for redemption. Instead, Carlson views Lemon’s continued alignment with the establishment as a missed opportunity to course-correct.
The Rogan-Lemon Feud: A Tale of Two Narratives
Joe Rogan’s beef with Don Lemon has roots in the contentious media landscape of 2020. The tension reached a boiling point during what Rogan refers to as the “Horse Dewormer Fiasco.” Lemon, along with other CNN personalities, was among the most vocal critics of Rogan’s use of ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rogan, who had been prescribed the medication by a doctor, was furious with how CNN framed the story, accusing them of deliberately misleading the public.
The feud between Rogan and Lemon escalated as Rogan accused CNN of outright lying about his treatment. During a heated exchange with CNN’s medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta on his podcast, Rogan pressed Gupta on the network’s coverage. Gupta, caught off guard, admitted that the characterization of ivermectin as a mere “horse dewormer” was misleading. However, when Gupta appeared on CNN alongside Lemon after the podcast, he seemed to walk back his comments, aligning once again with the network’s narrative. This only fueled Rogan’s ire, leading to further public confrontations.
Mainstream Media’s Power Trip
Both Rogan and Carlson have criticized the role that figures like Lemon played during the pandemic. They argue that mainstream media, particularly CNN, took on an authoritarian role, pushing narratives that aligned with elite interests while marginalizing dissenting voices. Carlson describes this as a “Power Trip,” where the media acted as a megaphone for the ruling class, enforcing compliance with draconian measures under the guise of public health.
Rogan, too, has expressed disdain for what he sees as the media’s condescension towards the public. He recalls the infamous FDA tweet that read, “You’re not a horse, you’re not a cow. Stop taking this stuff,” referring to ivermectin. This tweet, like CNN’s coverage, was later deleted, but not before it had done significant damage to Rogan’s reputation. For Rogan, this incident epitomized the media’s willingness to distort the truth for the sake of a narrative.
The Aftermath: Lemon’s Fall from Grace
Don Lemon’s firing from CNN marked the end of an era for the anchor. Once a prominent figure in the network’s prime-time lineup, Lemon’s career took a nosedive following a series of controversies. Rogan and Carlson have both pointed to Lemon’s downfall as evidence of the shifting tides in media. Carlson, who was fired from Fox News on the same day as Lemon, framed the events as part of a broader “cleaning house” in mainstream media. While Carlson’s departure was met with shock and outrage from his supporters, Lemon’s was seen as long overdue by his critics.
Elon Musk’s X Platform and the Future of Media
In the aftermath of his firing, there was speculation that Don Lemon might find a new home on Elon Musk’s X platform (formerly known as Twitter). However, this hypothetical scenario was quickly dismissed by Rogan and Carlson, who argued that Lemon would be ill-suited for the rough-and-tumble world of independent media. On X, they suggested, Lemon would have become a “punching bag,” a target for community notes and conservative commentators eager to call out his perceived biases.
Conclusion: The Battle for Media’s Soul
The ongoing feud between Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson, and Don Lemon is more than just a clash of personalities. It represents a deeper struggle over the future of media in America. As traditional networks like CNN face declining trust and viewership, figures like Rogan and Carlson are carving out new spaces for independent journalism. Their critique of Lemon and his ilk is not just a personal vendetta but a broader commentary on the state of the industry. Whether one agrees with their perspectives or not, it is clear that the battle for media’s soul is far from over.
