Howard Stern used to be the guy who’d make you pull your car over because you were laughing too hard at something incredibly offensive. He was the ultimate disruptor. But if you’ve listened lately, you know the vibe has shifted. The "shock jock" hasn't just aged; he’s evolved into one of the most vocal, often polarizing political commentators on the air.
Honestly, Howard Stern political views are a bit of a moving target. He’s been a Libertarian candidate, a guy who basically paved the way for Donald Trump’s celebrity-to-politics pipeline, and more recently, a man who calls himself "woke" with a sense of pride. It’s a wild arc.
The 1994 Libertarian Run: A Publicity Stunt or Real Policy?
Most people forget that Howard actually ran for Governor of New York in 1994. He wasn't just talking about it; he was the official nominee for the Libertarian Party. His platform was—let's be real—totally Howard.
He had three main pillars:
- Reinstating the death penalty.
- Making road crews work only at night to fix the traffic.
- Staggering highway tolls so nobody had to stop.
It sounds like a joke, but he was pulling double digits in some polls against Mario Cuomo and George Pataki. He eventually dropped out because he didn't want to reveal his personal finances. Privacy meant more to him than the Governor’s mansion. That’s the most "Howard" reason to quit a race ever.
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The Trump Connection: From Friend to Fierce Critic
You can't talk about Howard Stern without talking about Donald Trump. For decades, Trump was a regular on the show. They were "friends"—or at least, they were great for each other's ratings. Trump would call in to rate women's looks or talk about his business deals, and Howard would play the sycophantic-yet-probing interviewer.
Then 2016 happened.
Stern didn't jump on the MAGA train. In fact, he stayed loyal to Hillary Clinton. Why? Because Howard is a creature of loyalty and, surprisingly, a institutionalist. He’s often said that he liked Trump as a guest, but the idea of him with the nuclear codes terrified him. By the time the 2024 election cycle rolled around, the relationship was dead. Stern has gone on record saying he hates that people vote for Trump, even calling those voters "stupid" in a 2024 rant. It’s a far cry from the guys who used to swap stories about Miss Universe pageants.
The "Woke" Evolution and Why It Annoys His Old Fans
If you go on any Stern subreddit today, you’ll see the same complaint: "He’s gone soft."
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Howard doesn't care. He actually addressed the "woke" allegations head-on during a broadcast. To him, being "woke" just means not being an asshole. He supports trans rights. He’s pro-choice. He’s a massive advocate for animal rights (mostly thanks to his wife, Beth).
Where he stands on the big issues:
- Gun Control: This is where he surprises people. Despite his more liberal shift, Howard has historically been very pro-gun. After the Orlando nightclub shooting, he gave a famous "Sheep and Wolves" speech, arguing that the public are "sheep" and need firearms to protect themselves from the "wolves."
- Abortion: He is staunchly pro-choice. The overturning of Roe v. Wade was a massive turning point for him, leading to some of his most vitriolic segments against the Supreme Court.
- COVID-19: Stern became a bit of a recluse during the pandemic. He was—and is—obsessed with masks, vaccines, and science. He famously stayed in his Hamptons basement for what felt like years, mocking anyone who refused the jab.
The 2024 Biden Interview: A New Era
In April 2024, something happened that the "Old Howard" would have mocked: Joe Biden sat down for an interview. It was a soft, personal, almost therapeutic conversation. It wasn't the "Cabbie vs. Stuttering John" era. It was two older men talking about grief, loss, and the weight of the presidency.
This interview solidified Howard's status as a Democratic powerhouse. He’s no longer the outsider throwing rocks at the building; he’s the guy inviting the President inside for tea and a long chat about his feelings.
Is he still a Libertarian?
Probably not in the way the party defines it today. While he still has that "leave me alone" New York attitude, his reliance on big-government solutions for things like public health and climate change puts him firmly in the liberal camp. He’s a guy who wants the trains to run on time (literally) and wants people to be able to do what they want in their bedrooms, but he’s also a guy who believes in the system.
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Actionable Insights for the Howard Stern Fan
If you're trying to keep up with Howard's shifting politics, here's the best way to navigate it:
- Listen to the full segments: Soundbites of Howard often make him sound more extreme than he is. He usually spends 20 minutes explaining why he feels a certain way.
- Watch the 2024 Biden Interview: It’s the best example of his modern interviewing style and his current political alignment.
- Follow the Animal Rights work: If you want to see what he's actually passionate about outside of the Red vs. Blue noise, look at the Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center. It’s where his "softer" side really shines.
Howard Stern isn't the guy he was in 1990. He’s 70-something years old, he’s rich, and he’s worried about the future of the country. Whether you love the "woke" Howard or miss the guy who ran for Governor on a platform of night-time road work, you have to admit: he’s still making people talk.
Check out the official Howard Stern YouTube channel for the most recent political clips to see the evolution for yourself.