An Open Letter to Joe Rogan: Is Trump's Libidinal Appeal to Men One of the Reasons for His Electoral Victory?

Hey Joe, I’ve been writing extensively about sex in books (fiction and nonfiction) and articles, especially about the hidden connections between sex and society. We’re blinkered about many things in our culture, but especially about sex, which makes us easily manipulated.

Here’s my take on the subliminal sexual undercurrents that influenced this election, especially related to men. Since you endorsed Trump and are so in touch with men, I’d love to know what you think about it.

Pundits and pollsters across the media landscape have tried to explain why Donald Trump — flawed, disgraced, and twice-impeached — won the election. They cite inflation, immigration, and a desire for change.

Yes, but…

Despite inciting an insurrection…

Despite being a convicted felon…

Despite losing the previous election…

The list of “despite”s goes on, as does the chorus of “And yet…”s.

How? Why?

Why, despite his obvious deficiencies — his deceit, dereliction of duty in the mishandling of the pandemic, and the existential threat he poses to democracy — this four times-indicted, serial-liar and convicted sex-abuser appeals to so many Americans? Especially men? *

Millions of words will be written to answer these questions. But one word that I believe is fundamental to his appeal hasn’t been written about nearly enough. And that word is “sex.”

“Sex hasn’t been talked about enough?!” you’re protesting in disbelief.

Of course, the media has relentlessly covered sensational accusations of misogyny, sexism, sex scandals, and sexual abuse. But a deeper conversation about how sex can be politically manipulated has been largely overlooked.

Obviously, sex isn’t the only reason for Trump’s victory but it’s one that has yet to be acknowledged. And it’s important because it will continue to be an undercurrent of future elections.

Having written extensively about the hidden connections between sex and society, I offer this perspective. I’ll be quoting from my past “It’s the Sex, Stupid!” articles about Trump’s mystifying, convicted-felon defying appeal.

READ MY ARTICLE ON MEDIUM.

• This analysis doesn’t fully address why so many women voted for Trump. The only groups Kamala Harris made gains with were white college-educated women and those over 65. Perhaps Trump’s initial libidinal appeal to men pulled the women in their lives into consuming right-wing media. Immersed in that information ecosystem, the world appeared to be a battle between righteous Republican “patriots” waging holy war against demonic Democratic “elites” to save the world.