Americast Will the Democrats go "dark woke" to take on Trump?
Aug 28, 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom is adopting a bold, 'dark woke' online strategy to counter Donald Trump's influence. Newsom's approach mimics Trump's style to engage voters and shake up the political narrative. The podcast delves into the implications of this tactic for the Democratic Party and questions the morality of aggressive political strategies. Additionally, it touches on serious issues like gun violence following a tragic school shooting and explores the murky motives behind violent extremism in today’s complex social landscape.
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Newsom Mirrors Trump's Playbook
- Gavin Newsom is deliberately copying Trump's outré social-media style to grab attention and mock Trump's iconography.
- That tactic boosts visibility but risks eroding Democrats' moral high ground and may not win over Trump supporters.
What 'Dark Woke' Means
- 'Dark woke' means aggressive, Trump-style online tactics from Democrats to seize attention and fight back.
- The hosts note this can energize base voters but may fail to persuade centrist swing voters who care about policy.
Undermining Trump Iconography
- Newsom's posts parody Trump imagery (Mount Rushmore, macho photos) to undercut Trump's branding and reclaim symbolism.
- The approach functions as targeted satire aiming to neutralize Trump's iconic images rather than persuade his base directly.