During a recent podcast episode, Joe Rogan sharply criticized Katie Porter, a candidate for governor of California, over videos that depict her being harsh with staff and having contentious moments during interviews. He described her as a “crazy woman.”
On “The Joe Rogan Experience,” he commented, “This woman running for governor of California, this crazy woman…” and went on to impersonate her, saying, “Katie Porter yelling at her staff, ‘Get out!'”
Rogan noted that Porter’s behavior seemed exaggerated for the cameras, stating, “What a monster!” He made these remarks as Porter was facing significant negative publicity in the lead-up to the California gubernatorial election. Clips of her interactions with her team and reporters had been trending on social media.
Last week, Politico released footage of Porter during a 2021 Zoom meeting where she told her staff to “fuck off” while speaking with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Even though she appeared annoyed, she didn’t cut the meeting short after scolding an aide who inadvertently entered the frame.
Additionally, another clip showed her showing discontent over lighting during an interview, directing an employee to turn off a “bright light” that she claimed was “killing” her.
Last Friday, she faced backlash for a confrontational interview with CBS reporter Julie Watts, where she criticized what she deemed “unnecessary” questions, attempted to disconnect his microphone, and threatened to walk out.
In the wake of these incidents, she and her opponent, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, featured the encounter in a campaign ad labeled ‘Katie Porter’s own words.’
Rogan reiterated his belief that her public demeanor disqualified her from leadership.
Porter, 51, attempted to address the criticism a day before Rogan’s comments by participating in a Zoom session with the Working Families Party, expressing that she could have handled situations better. “I just knew in that moment that I could have done better,” she mentioned. “I’m going to live up to that standard, do better, and own up to where I fell short.”
As she campaigns to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, she aims to shift the focus back to important issues like housing, cost of living, and education. However, the week filled with resurfaced videos, accounts from staff, and direct attacks from opponents has overshadowed her policy narratives.
Sasha Georgiades, a Navy veteran and former staff officer under Porter, remarked last week that she can be “absolutely mean” to her subordinates, particularly targeting those who are “quiet” or “soft-spoken.”
The campaign has not commented on these allegations, and the Post has reached out for further clarification.
