Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Talks Politics and Controversy
Dave Portnoy, the outspoken founder of Barstool Sports, recently found himself in an unusual position — being interviewed by NPR journalists. Surprised by the request, Portnoy remarked, “If you told me I’d be on NPR and in a political leaning podcast like five years ago, I’d be like: You’re crazy.”
Portnoy’s rise to fame coincided with the growth of the internet and sports gambling sectors. Known for his “Barstool conservatism,” a mix of libertarianism and anti-wokeness, he has accumulated wealth through his ventures, including making significant bets on sports and cryptocurrencies. Despite his success, Portnoy has faced criticism for past comments on sensitive topics such as race and gender, which he insists were made in jest. His legal dispute with Business Insider over allegations of misconduct was dropped in 2023.
The media company he founded appeals to a predominantly male demographic, placing Portnoy among internet personalities who address the interests and grievances of male voters. During a Morning Edition interview, part of a series exploring controversial figures, Portnoy shared insights into his political stance and personal history.
Culture Over Politics
Portnoy emphasized cultural attitudes over specific policy issues, noting that his support for Trump was more a critique of the Democratic Party’s approach than an endorsement of Trump’s policies. He criticized the Democrats for lacking straightforward communication and engaging in what he perceives as excessive “woke politics.”
Disagreement with Trump
Despite his support for Trump, Portnoy diverges from the former president on several issues. He supports abortion rights and takes a more lenient stance on immigration than the Trump administration. “If somebody isn’t here legally, but they’re a productive member of society with no issues, I don’t think that you go say, ‘Get out of here,'” Portnoy explained.
A Self-Made Success
Reflecting on his journey, Portnoy recounted starting Barstool Sports from scratch, emphasizing his dedication and hard work without external assistance. He expressed frustration at feeling pressured to apologize for his success as a white male who achieved financial prosperity.
An Evolving Language
Portnoy acknowledged that his language has evolved over time. He recounted using racially insensitive language in the past, which he regrets today. He stated, “I would never do it again,” and emphasized the importance of context in understanding past actions.
Recently, Portnoy, who advocates for free speech, condemned the use of an anti-Semitic slur at a Barstool bar in Philadelphia, highlighting his evolving stance on offensive language.
Openness to Voting Democrat
While Portnoy remains critical of certain Democratic approaches, he is open to voting for Democratic candidates. “I would vote for a Democrat. And I have voted for Democrats,” he stated, expressing a desire for political discourse to be less polarized. He added, “Not everything is nearly as serious as it may seem.”
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