August 15, 2024 • 2hr 20min

#2189 - Dennis Quaid

The Joe Rogan Experience

Joe Rogan interviews actor Dennis Quaid about his upcoming role as Ronald Reagan in a new biopic. They discuss Quaid's research and preparation for the role, as well as his views on Reagan's presidency and legacy. The conversation expands to cover a wide range of current political topics and controversies.

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Key Takeaways

Dennis Quaid stars as Ronald Reagan in the upcoming biopic "Reagan", releasing August 30th
Quaid believes Reagan was a great president who effectively ended the Cold War through tough negotiation and economic pressure on the Soviet Union
Quaid and Rogan express concerns about current political polarization, media bias, and threats to free speech
They discuss the attempted assassination of Trump and lack of transparency around the investigation
Both are critical of the current administration's border policies and handling of illegal immigration
Quaid feels it's important for public figures to speak out on political issues, even if it risks backlash

Introduction

Joe Rogan interviews actor Dennis Quaid about his upcoming role as Ronald Reagan in a new biopic. They discuss Quaid's research and preparation for the role, as well as his views on Reagan's presidency and legacy. The conversation expands to cover a wide range of current political topics and controversies.

Topics Discussed

Quaid's Role as Reagan (41:42)

Quaid discusses his preparation to play Ronald Reagan in an upcoming biopic:

Initially hesitant to take the role due to Reagan's iconic status
Visited Reagan's ranch to get a sense of his character and humble lifestyle
Did extensive research into Reagan's life and presidency
Key insight: Reagan found his purpose in politics after disappointment in his acting career

"I felt him. I could just feel him in every square inch of that place, you know? And I could feel. He was a humble guy." - Dennis Quaid on visiting Reagan's ranch

Views on Reagan's Presidency (1:36:58)

Quaid shares his positive assessment of Reagan as president:

Effectively ended the Cold War through tough negotiation and economic pressure
Reflected the optimism and strength of America at the time
Transitioned from Democrat to Republican later in life
Key point: Reagan's anti-communist stance stemmed from his experiences in Hollywood unions

"Reagan came along and said, you know, we're going this way, that we're not a nation in decline like we've been told that we are today. And, you know, America came back from that." - Dennis Quaid

Current Political Polarization (10:12)

Rogan and Quaid discuss the current state of political discourse:

Increased polarization and unwillingness to compromise
One political ideology dominating in Hollywood and media
Concerns about censorship and cancel culture
Key concern: Loss of ability to have civil debates and exchange ideas

"We have to, we have to stop this or we're losing our country." - Dennis Quaid on political polarization

Media Bias and Misinformation (12:02)

They critique perceived bias in mainstream media coverage:

Selective reporting and framing of stories
Lack of objectivity in political coverage
Role of social media in spreading misinformation
Key issue: Public losing trust in media institutions

"We have more access to information now than we've ever had in all of human history. And yet people are more divided by ideology than they are by facts than any other time in history." - Joe Rogan

Trump Assassination Attempt (58:56)

Rogan and Quaid discuss the attempted assassination of Donald Trump:

Lack of transparency around investigation and shooter's background
Questions about security failures that allowed the attempt
Speculation about potential wider conspiracy
Key concern: Minimal media coverage and quick fading from public attention

"How is this not like a deep investigation that's on the front page of every newspaper where people are trying to figure out outrage from. Was this a government conspiracy to kill the presidential candidate?" - Joe Rogan

Border and Immigration Issues (2:01:17)

They criticize current border policies and handling of illegal immigration:

Perceived lax enforcement and incentives for illegal entry
Concerns about criminals and potential terrorists entering
Unfairness to legal immigrants trying to follow proper procedures
Key point: Need for secure borders while still allowing legal immigration

"There should be a path. But I'm all for immigrants, it should be everywhere. Just do it the right way." - Dennis Quaid

Speaking Out on Political Issues (1:48:35)

Quaid discusses his choice to be more vocal about political views:

Previously hesitant due to potential career backlash
Feels duty as a citizen to speak out on important issues
Acknowledges risk of "cancellation" but prioritizes speaking his mind
Key belief: Public figures have obligation to engage in political discourse

"I don't care anymore. You know, there was a time that I, I was kind of concerned to kind of like, speak my mind or speak up. But in this really, in the last couple of years that I feel it's really important that we, we do, all of us speak up in this election." - Dennis Quaid

Conclusion

The wide-ranging conversation between Joe Rogan and Dennis Quaid covers Quaid's upcoming role as Ronald Reagan, as well as their shared concerns about the current state of American politics and culture. Both express nostalgia for Reagan-era optimism and worry that political polarization, media bias, and threats to free speech are damaging the country. While acknowledging the risks of speaking out, they argue for the importance of open dialogue and debate on critical issues facing the nation.