“You know, these women who are rooting for the Muslim candidates do not even realize that they are voting for their own oppression. It's like a tree voting for the axe, literally.”
So true!! 😭
“Islamaphobic” is a manufactured, imaginary term used to excuse inhuman behavior.
The proper term is “Refuser.”
I refuse to entertain any ideas that rip down the rights of American men and women.
Just a hardline “No.” There is no negotiating, no compromise, just complete and absolute refusal.
The answer is “No, end of discussion.”
Not the way I planned on spending my afternoon, but 7,600 comments should not be ignored! Bots, trolls and personal attacks notwithstanding, the critics of yesterday’s post were dominated by a large and vocal contingent who rushed to remind me that there’s “a difference between socialism and communism,” an obvious indication that they didn’t actually read the post.
Shelley Armour writes… “Mike! You know there is a difference between democratic socialism and communism, right?”
Hi, Shelley. Yes, I know there’s a difference, and I understand what the difference is. The larger point, and the fundamental flaw with your comment, is that you seem to believe the candidates within the Democratic Socialist Party are both “democratic and socialist" simply because that’s the name of their club. Well, maybe some of them are. I really couldn’t say. What I can tell you for sure is that more than a few have called for the complete dismantling of capitalism, free markets, representative government, property rights, borders, police, prisons, and the Constitution in general. My post referred to them, as well as a number of elected Democrats who have agreed to campaign on their behalf – including Gavin Newsom, who said, "The Democratic Party must accept the DSA in order to take back the Congress.” His words, not mine.
Tracey Steele writes…“Wow! I cannot believe Mike Rowe said this. He has a huge reach, and he is actually spouting the word “communism” like it’s the 1950s! Wow Wow Wow!”
Wow indeed, Tracey, and thanks for noticing the size of my reach! (Contrary to popular belief, size does matter!) To say it again, I am not the one “spouting” communism or conflating socialists and communists. The word is being “spouted” by members of the DSA who are using it to describe themselves. I am not accusing them; I am quoting them.
John Engles… Hey Rowe, what’s the difference between the Communists who want to run the country and the Nazi/fascist who currently is?
Several differences, John, but the only one relevant to this conversation is the fact that the communists currently running for office have clearly identified themselves as such. They do not dispute or reject the label. They embrace it. It is who they are, who they claim to be, and who they want to be. The president, on the other hand, has never claimed to be a Nazi or a fascist. That doesn’t mean he isn't, but it is worth noting he has rejected the accusation outright. Obviously, you are entitled to that opinion and the right to share it publicly, thanks to our Constitution. Unlike in a fascist, Nazi, or communist regime. (Also worth noting, Nazis and fascists are not the same thing.)
Chris Tomaloff writes… “Kinda like how the political right didn’t shout down the extreme rhetoric coming from their candidates?”
No, Chris, not like that at all. In the video I shared, we saw examples of prominent Democrats saying things like, “We need to elect more communists!” (Cea Weaver, Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office.) Mamdani himself literally tweeted, "Each according to their need, each according to their ability." That’s a direct quote from the Communist Manifesto.
But what exactly is the corollary from the right? Are prominent Republicans tweeting, “We need to elect more Nazis! We need to elect more fascists! Eat the poor!” I don’t think so. John Engles may think Trump is fascist and a Nazi, but Trump disagrees, and so do a majority of voters. Communists, on the other hand, say it loud and say it proud. I’m inclined to take them at their word.
Beto Ojeda… “Mike has always leaned to the Trumpian view of things but never states it, so as not to alienate anyone, but we know how to read between the lines. This “communist” talk is McCarthyism 2.0.”
I wasn’t around in the 1950s, Beto, but from what I’ve read, it was indeed a very difficult time to be a communist in this country. Lots of private citizens were dragged before Congress, made to take “loyalty oaths," and blacklisted in their places of work. I can’t justify it or condone it, but I can explain it. We had just fought a hot war against fascism and Nazism and just begun a Cold War against a communist regime. The existence of an organized Communist Party in this country at such a time strained the limits of tolerance. But do you really think we’re less tolerant today than we were seventy-five years ago? Do you really believe my comments about communists who claim to be communists are synonymous with another Red Scare? If you haven’t noticed, Chris, no one in the DSA, including the communists, is being dragged before Congress and made to swear a loyalty oath to the Constitution. Today, a communist in America can run for office…with the endorsement of the governor of California! And the tacit approval of a major political party! Seems to me we’re about as far from McCarthyism as we can get.
As for my desire not to alienate anyone, I suppose I am guilty of that. I run a foundation that is open to people of all political beliefs, and we’ve assisted lots of Americans who lean to the left. I also know for a fact that many Democrats have supported mikeroweWORKS historically, and I have no desire to run them off. But do you really have to “read between the lines” to understand where I’m coming from?
True, I’ve never endorsed a candidate or publicly encouraged people to vote. But I’ve been very transparent about the fact that I’m a registered Independent who favors policies and programs that often align with conservative principles. Obviously, I would not characterize those conservative principles as “Trumpian,” because a) they were around long before him, b) Trump is not a conservative, and c) I do not agree with or support everything the President says and does. So, is it possible, Beto, that your accusation is rooted in the fact that I have never publicly denounced the president to your satisfaction? Is it possible you think I'm a Trumper, simply because I've never called him a fascist, or a Nazi, or a liar, or a conman, or a traitor, or whatever else you believe him to be?
Gretchen Seipp… Mike, the fact that you still act as though you’re not political after all this time is a bit ridiculous. I still support your work and foundation because I believe in it, but the folksy act has worn thin.
Aw, shucks, Gretchen. Folksy? Lil' ole me?
Honestly, how am I acting as if I am “not political?” This entire conversation is the very definition of “political.”
Christopher Pugh… I would have voted for Mike Rowe and Freddie a few years ago before he went full-on MAGA, and I’m all in favor of his project, but it’s pretty clear the political direction that he’s moved in and the money trail that has influenced it.
It’s Freddy, not Freddie. (I don’t much care, but he’s a terrier and particular about such things.) As for the “full-on MAGA” moniker, is there something I did specifically to earn that designation? Is there some kind of general definition you can share? Or, are you coming from the same place as Beto? Is calling me “Full-On MAGA" your way of saying that I’ve failed to condemn Trump to your satisfaction?
For the record, MRW is supported by liberals and conservatives alike. I have no idea what “money trail” you are referring to. Also, regarding my personal politics, think about the implications of what I wrote. I said that the Democrats have been given a gift – an opportunity to appear reasonable by speaking the truth to their own party, just as Bill Maher has done. All they have to do is distance themselves from candidates who have called for the complete dismantlement of our Constitution. All they have to do is say, “Hold on, comrade. Our tent is not that big. We respect your right to hate America, but we don’t want you in our party, and we will not support your candidacy.”
If they say that, I think a lot of Independents would see them as they see John Fetterman, who has, in the eyes of many voters, become the most “rational” Democrat currently in office. If they don’t – if they actually welcome communist candidates into their party – then I’m afraid the Democrats, by default, will offer the American people a very simple choice in November – a party that disavows communism vs. a party that doesn’t. I think such a choice would be very positive for Republicans because I don’t think most Americans want to align themselves with a Democratic Party that welcomes communists. The question for you, Chris, is why would a “Full-On MAGA” like me encourage Democrats to act in a way that would disadvantage the Republican Party? And the answer is simple – it’s because I support the existence of a Democratic Party that believes America is still a fundamentally good place.
I think there’s a lot of room for improvement in our country, and I believe the best way to realize those improvements is for Democrats and Republicans to have continuous, robust and public debate about all the issues. But if one of those parties is affirmatively determined to transform our democratic republic into a communist state, then we’re no longer debating the various ways to make our country better; we’re debating the merits of destroying it. And really, what’s the point of tolerating that?
America is already a big tent, filled with hundreds of millions of people with wildly differing views and lots of political parties that represent those views. We’ve got the Green Party, the American Freedom Party, the Socialist Workers Party, the Constitution Party, and of course, the Communist Party USA, as well as the Democratic Socialist Party. America’s tent is so big, we can even tolerate fringe parties like the KKK, the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and so forth. Why then, does Gavin Newsom want to make room in the Democratic tent for socialists and communists? There’s only one reason, and he’s already spelled it out for us – he believes the Democrats need them to win back the Congress. I think it’s a bad bet for the Democrats and for America. And if a prominent Republican reached out to the KKK with the same “big tent” offer, you’d better believe my vote would be in play.
Michael Tillman… When are you going to throw your hat into the ring, Mr. Rowe?
Ha! When it no longer fits my head!
This video will forever remain the biggest mic drop in Internet history.
If you have not seen it, stop what you’re doing and watch it.
If you have seen it, watch it again.
The next time someone tells you that most Muslims are peaceful people, send them this link.
So long, America🫡🇺🇸
49 days ago we landed in the USA to follow our country at the World Cup. We had no idea it would turn into the trip of a lifetime.
Thank you to everyone who followed along, and to all the people we met who made this journey even more special. We honestly don’t have the words to express how grateful we are for everything you did for us.
This trip exceeded every expectation we had. We came here with an open mind, wanting to experience as much of the country as possible. I still remember telling my friends on the flight to Atlanta that I hoped we’d get to meet a few locals on this trip. Now we’re flying home with friends all across the USA.
Before we came, we heard so many stereotypes and warnings about America. People told us about safety concerns, that they might check our social media at the border, and all kinds of other things. None of it matched our experience. This was probably the most welcoming country we’ve ever visited.
So if you have the chance to travel, do it. The world isn’t nearly as bad as the media often makes it seem. 99% of people are awesome!
I heard this quote somewhere during the World Cup, and I think it sums up our experience perfectly:
“If you want to hate the world, watch the news. If you want to love it, travel it.”
Thank you, America ❤️🇺🇸
This weekend I shared a post voicing my concerns about the far left. The response has been overwhelming. Leaders in both parties called to tell me the same thing: this stuff has gone too far.
To be clear: I'm a progressive Democrat. My whole life, I've wanted to see a youth movement fight for affordability, for healthcare, for real opportunity. It’s time! The system has utterly failed the next generation. Young people deserve real change — and they are right to fight for a better future.
But the movement is being hijacked by too many people with insane, outlandish and nutty ideas that have nothing to do with affordability, climate solutions or health care.
For example: Mamdani picked a DSA candidate who wants to abolish the police, empty every prison, erase every border and discourage interracial dating. Okayyyy ... So clearly, Chevalier has no problem condemning things! UNLESS it’s a designated terrorist organization. Believe it or not: Chevalier has refused to denounce the terror group Hamas — four times. That’s INSANE — and progressives can’t be afraid to call nonsense like that out.
Supporting Hamas is NOT progressive. The idea of “no police, no prisons, no borders” — which would let pedophiles, human traffickers, terrorists, hate groups and crime syndicates run wild — is NOT progressive for vulnerable communities. Celebrating the murder of Israeli civilians is NOT progressive. These ideas are REGRESSIVE.
If we can't tell right from wrong, good from bad, smart from loony tunes — Team Blue will go down the same road that turned the Republican Party into a shell of itself.
We can’t let that happen to the Democratic Party.
Agree.
When they cry for “equality,” what they really want is to be treated the “equally” as those who have worked hard and put in the time.
Well, no.
If all you do is whine and insist that everyone cater to you, you are not equal to those who work hard. You do not get the same rewards.
You just don’t.
You are not equal to them.
Alf-Inge Haaland on speaking to Erling Haaland after Norway’s World Cup elimination to England.
🗣️ “I walked into the dressing room and saw my son sitting there in complete silence, tears streaming down his face. He tried so hard to hide them, but he couldn’t. His heart was shattered. I put my hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eyes and said, ‘Erling, don’t you dare apologise. Don’t carry this pain alone. You gave your country every drop of your heart, every ounce of your strength, and every breath you had.’ Seeing your own son broken like that is one of the hardest things a father can experience.”
”‘People only celebrate the goals and the trophies. They never see the sacrifices, the endless pressure, the sleepless nights, the injuries, the doubts, and the emotional burden of carrying an entire nation’s dreams. Erling wasn’t crying because he lost a football match. He was crying because his dream of making millions of Norwegians proud had slipped through his fingers. Those weren’t tears of weakness they were tears of love, pride and heartbreak.”
“I told him, ‘Lift your head, son. There is no shame in crying after giving absolutely everything. Real warriors cry because they care. Real leaders cry because they feel the pain of letting people down, even when they haven’t. Never let anyone tell you those tears make you weak they prove how much this country means to you.’”
“And to the people already searching for someone to blame… shame on you. Before you criticise these players, remember the joy they gave this nation. Remember how they made children dream again. Don’t destroy them in one night because football can be cruel. Every player in that dressing room is hurting far more than any supporter watching from the stands.”
“As his father, I couldn’t have been prouder tonight if he had scored a hat-trick and lifted the World Cup. I didn’t see a global superstar—I saw my little boy wearing Norway’s shirt, refusing to give up until the very last second. That’s what filled my heart with pride. Medals and trophies fade with time, but courage, sacrifice and love for your country stay with you forever.”
“These tears will never define Erling Haaland. They will shape him. One day, when people look back on his career, they won’t remember him crying—they’ll remember the man who stood back up after the deepest heartbreak and fought even harder. Tonight, Norway lost a football match, but they gained something even greater: a generation inspired by players who gave everything for the badge. Sometimes football breaks your heart… but it’s that heartbreak that creates legends.”
America is a place, merged with an idea. Americans are those here who agree to this idea. The idea is that anything is possible and that you can live your life the way you want, so long as that way does not impinge on others’ ability to live the way they want.
As the current custodians of America, we will keep this idea sacred, so that it is healthy and alive for those who come after us. Just like those of the past 250 years did for us. Happy 4th of July.
Honestly there has to be Magic, and supernatural shit at play, cuz there is nooooo way 99% of us able bodied humans really let 1% of all humans rule us like complete bitches and destroy everything we love with no consequences.
Scientifically makes no sense.
Struggling to wrap my head around this. Tim Tebow gave Congress a map with 338,000+ unique IP addresses in the United States that have traded/shared images of children being sexually abused in the past 6 months and NOBODY is talking about it.
If the American Empire falls... and I want you to think about this... what empire are you comfortable living under? China? Russia? Give me a name.
There isn't one. There's nobody. We are literally, and I mean this, the last hope for the entire world. Freedom. Prosperity. Technology like nobody's ever seen. Moon bases. Mars. Things that sound like science fiction but we're doing them, we're actually doing them right now.
No other country. No other civilization. Us.
And if we go dark... the whole world goes dark. Every corner of it. But here's the thing...
We are not a people of darkness.
Noor Pahlavi, daughter of Razi Pahlavi and granddaughter of the last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, recently delivered a powerful speech in the United States about Iran’s future.
She spoke directly to the longing of millions of Iranians: freedom, dignity, and an end to 46 years of theocratic oppression.
Iran has approximately 90 million inhabitants. According to reports from people inside the country, diaspora networks, and independent observers on the ground, around 80% of Iranians are rejoicing - many with tears of joy - over the regime’s fall and the ongoing liberation of their country through American and Israeli strikes.
The remaining 20% are the hardline extremists, regime loyalists, and those who benefited from the mullahs’ rule. They are mourning and calling for revenge.
The vast majority of Iranians - the silent, suffering majority - want Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in the United States for decades, to return and lead a democratic transition.
Not as a new dictator or eternal Shah, but as a bridge to free elections, a secular constitution, and genuine self-determination for the Iranian people.
I believe them.
I believe in the courage on the streets and the quiet hope that has survived decades of terror.
Most countries in the Middle East - especially the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others who have long viewed the Iranian regime as the greatest regional threat - have quietly or openly welcomed the regime’s collapse.
They see it as the beginning of a more stable, less aggressive Middle East.
This is not the end of history - the liberation is still unfolding.
But it is a turning point that millions have prayed for.
Iran deserves better.
The Iranian people deserve freedom.
May God protect the Iranian freedom fighters. May truth and justice prevail.
May light break through - for Iran and for the entire region.
✝️❤️🔥🪽🙏