‘So sick’: Russell Crowe unleashes on US politics in Joe Rogan interview

Russell Crowe has offered a rare insight into his view on US politics and the looming election, revealing the one thing he believes people are “so sick” of.

Russell Crowe has offered a rare insight into his views on US politics, accusing Americans of becoming blinded by their allegiance to the Republican or Democratic party.

The Gladiator actor, who was born in New Zealand but lives in Australia, appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in a wide-ranging interview lasting three hours.

The notoriously private star, who refused to bite last year when asked if he would ever portray Donald Trump in a film, offered up his view on the state of politics abroad and back home.

Referencing the musical Evita, which follows Argentine political leader Eva Veron, Crowe suggested politics in the States had become “what can we get away with?”

“It was used in the musical Evita... (the phrase) ‘politics is the art of the possible’. It’s not really connected to anything,” Crowe said.

“You’re seeing that now in American politics more than ever, because the person that’s actually in office is saying what she’s going to do if she gets in office,” Rogan interjected.

“You’re (Kamala) there,” Crowe agreed.

“This is madness… she’s been in there for three years, what are you talking about, this is crazy,” Rogan said.

Russell Crowe has taken aim at the state of US politics, accusing Americans of being blinded by their allegiance to the Republican or Democratic party. Picture: Joe Rogan Experience / YouTube

Crowe continued by calling out “aggressive” media outlets for driving genuine talent away from the world of politics.

“You’re just not going to get people of quality stepping into that world anymore. There’s probably hundreds of potentially incredible presidents in this country, but they’re too smart to walk that way,” he said.

Crowe went on to claim Americans were too focused on what party they aligned with rather than analysing the merit of that party’s policies.

“It’s picking a colour, and no matter what happens under the banner of that colour you’re sticking with the colour,” he said.

“That’s not really going to help anyone.”

Crowe pivoted the conversation to Australian politics, pointing out how a wave of independent “Teal” MPs won safe Liberal seats and wiped out the Coalition in 2022.

“Now you have a situation where in the parliament – you have a group of them (Teal MPs) – the main party has to deal with the fact that those independents are going to bring a non-party line series of points to the argument,” he reflected.

“It’s working well, it’s working for us in that it’s making both of the main parties re-examine who they are and what they stand for.

“People are so sick of that colour choice, they’re reaching for something else.”

During a viral moment in the interview, Rogan and Crowe spoke about Vice President Kamala Harris making election vows despite already being in office. Picture: Joe Rogan Experience / YouTube

At times stopping to draw from a cigarette in the interview, Crowe also took aim at both US parties for “pouring money” into campaigns and creating “apocalyptic” adverts mocking leaders.

“It’s ridiculous. It’s just bullsh** … but if you’re leaning that way, it helps your outrage. When it’s just a series of exaggerations and lies, it doesn’t help anybody.”

Crowe, who is touring America with his band The Gentleman’s Barber for the first time in over a decade, wasn’t entirely critical of the States.

“Here’s the thing with America, right?” the actor said.

“You’ve got to remember that it is the beacon of freedom for everybody in the world.”

“It’s a huge responsibility,” he added.

“If people are looking for something to change in their life or something positive, the vast majority of people will look towards America and say, ‘well, that’s the beacon. I want to live like that where people can say what’s on their mind and people can have differing opinions.’

“‘People can be of all different races, religions or whatever and still be in the same community,’” Crowe continued.

“It’s so important that America remains healthy into the future for everyone, not just for Americans.”

Crowe, who was born in New Zealand but spends most of his time in Australia, rarely weighs into politics and his private life. He puffed on a cigarette during the wide-ranging, three hour interview. Picture: Joe Rogan Experience / YouTube

Crowe’s take on politics quickly went viral online, with millions watching the podcast on YouTube within hours of it being posted.

“Those last remarks from Russell about America being a beacon of hope of free speech hit hard,” wrote one viewer.

Outspoken Texas congressman jumped on the exchange about Vice President Harris, accusing her of not doing enough to make change in her last three years of power.

“For every promise Kamala makes using vague rhetoric or poor policy proposals—whether securing the border, lowering food prices, or saving working families—the central question remains: “Why haven’t you already done it?”,” the Republican wrote on X alongside the clip.

“Harris has had an entire administration to work with the president and Congress to implement the very policies she’s now campaigning on,” he added.

His comments sparked further debate online, with many pointing out the limitations of her impact while leading under President Joe Biden.

“Are you all under the impression that the VP has policymaking power and is responsible for the policies of the Executive Branch?,” asked one.

“The VP is not empowered by the Constitution to do much at all. And y’all made it abundantly clear that Biden is too old and infirm to do anything, right? So no wonder,” added another.