Joe Rogan and Mike Baker laugh off idea of Trump adopting ‘civil’ rhetoric after assassination attempt

Mike Baker proposed that such a shift could have disrupted Democrats and positioned Trump as the 'reasonable' and 'civil' figure
PUBLISHED AUG 30, 2024
Joe Rogan and former CIA officer Mike Baker discussed the hypothetical scenario where Trump mellowed down after assassination attempt (PowerfulJRE/screengrab/getty image)
Joe Rogan and former CIA officer Mike Baker discussed the hypothetical scenario where Trump mellowed down after assassination attempt (PowerfulJRE/screengrab/getty image)

WASHINGTON, DC: In a recent episode of 'The Joe Rogan Experience', Joe Rogan and former CIA officer Mike Baker mused over the hypothetical scenario in which former President Donald Trump might have adopted a more “civil” demeanor following the assassination attempt on him.

The conversation, however, ended with both men laughing off the likelihood of such a transformation.

Mike Baker suggests hypothetical startegy for Trump after assassination attempt

Baker, who now works as a technical advisor and commentator, outlined what he believed would have been an ideal response from Trump after he was shot last month during a rally in Pennsylvania.

Baker suggested that had Trump chosen to adopt a more measured and reflective approach to his rhetoric, the Democrats would have been thrown into disarray.

Donald Trump assassination (X/@NiomiNiomid)
Former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, where he survived an assassination attempt (X/@NiomiNiomid)

He reasoned that such a dramatic shift would have positioned Trump as the “reasonable” and “civil” figure in stark contrast to his opponents.

“If after that attempt had happened and he had just walked that civil line and said, you know, I’ve had a reflective moment and if he had kept the high road, think about the disparity there because the Democrats, they would have — first of all, they would have gone crazy because they wouldn’t know what to do, but they also wouldn’t have been able to help themselves so they would have thrown the hand grenades again as usual. And then you would have had Trump over here being the reasonable one and being the reflective and civil one,” Baker elaborated.

Rogan agrees with Baker’s hypothesis but cites Trump’s nature as a barrier

Joe Rogan concurred with Baker’s assessment, acknowledging that it could have been a strong strategy. However, Baker and Rogan both agreed that such a shift was unlikely, with Baker humorously noting, “But it didn’t happen.”

Rogan attributed Trump’s persistence in his combative style to his inherent nature, likening it to the fable of the scorpion and the frog.

In the fable, a scorpion stings a frog while crossing a river, dooming both creatures, simply because it is in the scorpion’s nature to sting. Rogan drew a parallel, saying, “No, it’s not in his nature. That’s the scorpion and the frog.”



 

“It’s the same thing,” Rogan said about Trump, reinforcing his point.

The conversation took a lighter turn as Rogan reflected on Trump’s penchant for provocative remarks.

“That guy loves to talk s**t. I mean, he’s calling Tim Walz Tampon Tim now,” Rogan said, breaking into laughter. “He’s so good at it! It’s such a good nickname!”

Trump has said he 'won't be nice' after assassination attempt

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has firmly rejected any suggestion that the assassination attempt he survived on July 13 has made him more conciliatory. At a recent rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, Trump addressed claims that he had become “nice” following the incident.

He remarked, “You know, I was supposed to be nice. They say something happened to me when I got shot—I became nice,” adding, “If you don’t mind, I’m not going to be nice.”

Trump's communications director, Steven Cheung, reinforced this stance, stating that Trump remains committed to speaking candidly about his opponents. Despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s call for a reduction in inflammatory rhetoric, Trump has continued to launch attacks on Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, increasing his focus on Harris as his potential rival for the presidency.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Sanders urged Congress to debate a permanent national interest cap, arguing unchecked rates trap working families in debt despite rare agreement with Trump
5 hours ago
When it comes to fundraising, the RNC raised $172 million in 2025 while the DNC brought in $145 million
6 hours ago
Minaj, a new Trump ally, accused Democrats of lacking integrity and also labeled them 'demoncrats'
8 hours ago
Tulsi Gabbard confirmed she facilitated the call, saying Trump expressed support for agents while remaining within legal bounds
9 hours ago
Marjorie Taylor Greene said donors receive special favors, government contracts, and pardons for themselves or people close to them
9 hours ago
Trump also repeatedly insisted without evidence that he won the 2020 election 'in a landslide' and alleged that people 'voted illegally'
10 hours ago
Janet Mills dismissed age concerns, saying her record, stamina, and daily work prove she’s the strongest Democrat to take on Susan Collins
10 hours ago
Minneapolis shootings drew scrutiny after Alex Pretti was killed on camera, while Renee Good was killed by an ICE agent without one
12 hours ago
Trump asks lawmakers to pass funding 'without delay,' warns against changes
15 hours ago
Court sides with Democrats, blocks DHS rule limiting unannounced congressional visits
16 hours ago