Trump, the Man's Man at the RNC, AKA the Happiest Place on Earth
Jul 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Semafor reporter Kadia Goba discusses Trump's appeal to Black men, particularly iconic athletes of the 80s. The podcast explores the RNC's focus on appealing to American men via UFC, Hulk Hogan, and the manosphere. Other topics include reactions to the attempted assassination of Trump and the undercurrent of masculinity in media and politics.
The RNC highlighted the campaign to win over American men through figures like UFC and Hulk Hogan.
Fox News' subtle snub during the RNC reveals underlying tensions within the network and toward former personalities.
Deep dives
The RNC: Media's Response to Speech Snubs
Despite the buzz surrounding the RNC, Fox News notably cut away from Kim Guilfoyle's speech, opting to interview a dog in the audience instead. This subtle snub highlights underlying tensions between former Fox personalities and the network, with some lingering grudges affecting coverage choices.
A Masculinity Infused Environment: Fox Host's Statement on Manhood
Charlie Kirk's interview with Vivek Ramaswami culminated in a charged statement that tied voting for Donald Trump to masculinity, stoking the gender dynamics prevalent at the RNC. This narrative taps into Trump's deep appeal to men, creating a narrative of strength and identity intertwined with political choices.
Ignoring Katy Perry's Anthem: The Decline of 'Woman's World'
Among the overlooked media stories is the fate of Katy Perry's new single, 'Woman's World', which failed to gain traction and did not feature prominently in news coverage. The song's underwhelming reception symbolizes an unanticipated lack of interest despite its entertainment value.
Ben and Nayeema discuss reactions to the attempted assassination of former President Trump – from a cautious media, an internet in overdrive and a Republican National Convention that proved surprisingly welcoming. Then, they turn to the undercurrent of the RNC: the campaign for the hearts of American men, via the UFC, Hulk Hogan, and broader “manosphere.” Semafor Political Reporter Kadia Goba also joins to talk about Trump’s appeal to Black men, particularly the iconic athletes of the 80s (you’ll hear from Mike Tyson and Lawrence Taylor). And, of course, Max Tani fills our blind spots … with a dog interview and gym etiquette.