The clash between Douglas Murray and Dave Smith on Joe Rogan’s podcast exposed deep divides on the Right. Murray, a staunch defender of Israel, faced off against Smith, a libertarian comic who called Israel’s actions “genocide.” The debate became a battleground over expertise, patriotism, and moral clarity in modern conservatism.
Murray blasted Rogan for letting unqualified guests push conspiracy theories. He argued serious issues like war demand real expertise, not hot takes from comedians. Smith fired back, saying ordinary Americans deserve a voice even without fancy degrees. Rogan later mocked Murray’s own credentials, siding with Smith’s anti-elitist stance.
The heart of the fight was Israel. Murray warned Hamas wants Jews dead and America weakened. He called support for Israel a moral duty, praising its fight against terror. Smith shocked conservatives by parroting left-wing lies, accusing Israel of “genocide” while downplaying Hamas’s atrocities. His betrayal as a Jew added salt to the wound.
Rogan’s role as referee drew heat. Critics say he platforms clowns who trash allies like Israel while coddling real villains. Murray pushed back hard, demanding truth over jokes when lives are at stake. But Rogan shrugged, claiming experts fail us daily—so why trust them over regular folks?
Murray later clarified he never said only Oxford grads should speak. He slammed “experts” who’ve botched everything from COVID to Ukraine. True knowledge comes from boots on the ground, not classrooms. His years covering Middle East terror, he argued, beat a comedian’s Google research.
Smith’s rants echoed campus Marxists, not heartland conservatives. He painted Israel as the bully, ignoring Hamas butchers who burn babies and rape women. This moral blindness lets evil thrive. Patriots know you don’t “both sides” a fight against pure evil.
The showdown reflects a bigger crisis: Should conservatives defend Western values or drift into isolation? Murray stands for strength, truth, and loyalty to allies. Smith’s “anti-war” act plays into enemy hands, weakening resolve when courage is needed most.
Real leaders don’t waffle. They call evil by its name and stand firm. Murray’s voice cuts through the noise, reminding us freedom isn’t free—and comedians shouldn’t draft our foreign policy.
