The race to the White House in 2020 saw a wave of late endorsements for the incumbent President, Donald J. Trump. As the election campaign entered its final stretch, prominent figures from various fields came forward to throw their support behind Trump. This article delves into the two prominent endorsements Trump received from a well-known podcast host, Joe Rogan, and Roberto Clemente Junior, the son of Roberto Clemente, a beloved figure in American baseball history.
Joe Rogan, has been a commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a stand-up comedian, a television host, and now, he stands amongst the most influential podcasts hosts in the world. His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, where he often hosts in-depth conversations with a wide range of guests, regularly pulls tens of millions of views across multiple platforms. While Rogan is renowned for valuing independent thought and not formally endorsing political figures frequently, he made an exception for President Trump.
Rogan’s endorsement for Trump was layered with compliments for the President’s resilient energy. He expressed admiration for Trump’s ability to campaign vigorously and handle presidential responsibilities while recovering from Covid-19. Acknowledging his immense following and influence, Rogan’s endorsement was a significant addition to Trump’s fold of supporters. His tacit influence over the youth and middle-aged population who constitute a sizeable portion of ‘the Joe Rogan Experience’ followers is a dynamic that possibly helped Trump’s campaign.
Trump’s list of endorsements was expanded by the addition of a sporting heavyweight, Roberto Clemente Junior. Roberto is the son of Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame right fielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates known for his on-field prowess and humanitarian efforts off-field. Clemente Junior’s endorsement of Trump displayed a personal connection. He praised Trump’s efforts to honour his late father by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
Clemente’s endorsement was not just about familial gratitude. He recognized Trump’s efforts to uplift the Hispanic community, a demographic he identified with due to his Puerto Rican heritage. By focusing on Trump’s policies regarding jobs, economy, and immigration reforms, Roberto expressed hope that Trump would continue working effectively for the betterment of the Hispanic community.
The combination of Rogan and Clemente Junior’s endorsements threw an interesting mix into Trump’s endorsement palette. Rogan’s endorsement was inclined towards Trump’s resilient personality and vehement campaigning tactics, while Clemente Junior highlighted his belief in Trump’s potential to continually uplift and reform conditions for the Hispanic community. These endorsements from contrasting personalities underlined the widespread support for Trump, providing a potential boost for his campaign during the final stages of the heated 2020 Presidential race.
