Howard Stern does NOT like Donald Trump... At least, as a political figure.
After all, Howard has said that Trump was one of the best interview guests on his show due to the fact that he was ridiculous and wasn't afraid of talking about taboo subjects. The two also socialized a handful of times in the early 2000s. However, Howard has been very vocal about his distaste and disdain for the majority of Trump's political views and, more importantly, what he did during his presidency.
Because of Howard's brutal honesty, his uncensored SiriusXM radio show, having inside and personal knowledge of Trump, and his sway over a portion of Trump's base, there's no doubt that the self-appointed "King of all Media" was one of the most effective people are taking down Trump. After all, unlike every other celebrity who criticized Trump publicly, the Former President simply didn't go after Howard Stern... Something about Howard scared Trump...
On one occasion, Trump even sent his son after Howard instead of addressing him himself. This was when the radio legend accused the former president of actually loathing the majority of his voters. Donald Trump Jr., of course, didn't stand a chance against Howard's furious retort. But Howard has had a harder time corresponding with some of his listeners who have, do, and probably will always, support Donald Trump.
This is why he took some wisdom from an idol of his...
Opinions Are Just Opinions, They're Not Necessarily Fact Or Will Change The Law
Anyone who knows anything about Howard Stern or acclaimed New York author Fran Lebowitz would know that they share the same misanthropic, hilariously pessimistic, and erudite views on society. However, they have quite a few differences as well, including politically. Regardless, Howard considers Fran Lebowitz "a genius". And this is why he looked to her, and her new Netflix documentary series, "Pretend It's A City", for help.
While Howard attempted to give Trump space to prove himself as a president, even though Howard publicly supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, his public views of the former president became more colorful in the final years of his term in office.
The views Howard voiced on his radio show often inspired some of his more conservative listeners to call in accusing him of 'selling out', 'being a liberal', and 'being brainwashed'... Howard has not always responded well to these listeners... But Fran Lebowitz's advice really helped him...
"I keep getting these emails and threats from people who [don't like my opinion on Trump]," Howard said on his February 15th episode of The Howard Stern Show before claiming he'd been watching and listening to Fran Lebowitz on various shows. "I'm a fan of hers. I like the woman. I feel like she's a modern-day Mark Twain type. Except, [she] doesn't write nearly enough."
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"She said, 'You know, I have a lot of opinions. That's what I do, I give my opinion.' And she said, 'Some people seem to be really threatened by this. Once I give my opinion on things, they get very, very threatened by it,' Howard explained to his audience. "And she said, 'I have no influence or power. It's not like, if I say something it's gonna come true. In other words, it's going to be the law, or fact. It's just an opinion. So, why the f*** are you so threatened by it?' And it's so true. We're people and we see things differently."
Putting Fran's Advice Into Practice
When asked by a caller about his thoughts about the power-grad problem in Texas, Howard said this:
"You've got to stop electing under-achievers," Howard stated. "Again, let me preface my comments. These are my comments. My original thoughts. Anything I say moving forward, as the great Fran Lebowitz says, is never going to come true just because I think it. I'm sharing with you my thoughts. And you should really think about what I'm saying."
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Howard then went into the fact that he disagrees with the accusations of him becoming a die-hard progressive liberal. In fact, Howard has always considered himself an independent who has voted for an assortment of politicians from both major political parties.
"I'm not a liberal. I probably voted for more Republicans than you have. Although, as I told you, based on what I saw of the senate, [with the exception of] the seven Republicans who voted to impeach and convict, I must tell you, I felt that those guys are cowards. To come out and say, 'hey, the president is guilty but we don't have the balls to vote guilty'. It's just despicable."
Howard claimed that he would never vote for any of the current Republicans except possibly for those who stood against Trump. But he reiterated that his opinions shouldn't impact what others want to believe.
"To me! Again, if you like these guys, if you think Mitch McConnell is a good guy, then go for it pal!"
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Howard then continued to berate the politicians (such as Ted Cruz) in Texas who has fought science and bowed to the fossil fuel lobby at the expense of their own infrastructure.
"If you keep keeping science out of the state, and then you blame science when everything gets f***ed up, you're f***ed up!"
It was another rant that certainly angered some of his more conservative fans. Then again, Howard has also ranted about the importance of gun-rights, a healthy capitalist system, and the dangers of cancel-culture, all of which angers the opposite side of his massive fanbase...
The point is, he doesn't care what you agree with him. And, as Fran Lebowitz said, just because Howard believes something doesn't mean it will come true.
