Why presidential candidates are embracing podcast interviews
Oct 17, 2024
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Nick Quah, a podcast and culture critic at New York Magazine, dives into how presidential candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are changing the game by embracing non-traditional media. He discusses the significance of candidates appearing on platforms like podcasts and YouTube, aiming to connect with younger and diverse audiences. Quah explores the implications of these strategies on voter engagement and political discourse, highlighting the necessity for authenticity in today's media landscape.
Political candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are increasingly engaging younger demographics through non-traditional media platforms like podcasts and YouTube.
These alternative interviews allow candidates to present a more relatable and personal image, diverging from the combative nature of traditional journalism.
Deep dives
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The Shift to Non-Traditional Media
The discussion highlights a significant shift in how political candidates, particularly Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, approach media engagement. Candidates are increasingly opting for appearances on non-traditional platforms, like podcasts and YouTube, which appeal to younger and more diverse audiences. This strategy positions them to connect with voters who may not engage with traditional news sources, reflecting the fragmentation of media. These appearances are designed to resonate with specific demographics, such as women or younger voters, in an effort to broaden their support.
The Nature of Candidate Interviews
Interviews conducted on non-traditional platforms often tend to be softer and less combative, allowing candidates to showcase a more relatable image. For instance, Kamala Harris's appearance on 'Call Her Daddy' focused on personal topics and appealed to its primarily female audience, while lacking rigorous journalistic questioning. Similarly, Donald Trump's interviews with popular comedians and YouTubers aim to reinforce his connection with his base in a relaxed and informal setting. This approach reflects a strategic choice to engage with audiences where they are most comfortable, often foregoing hard-hitting journalism for relatable conversation.
Vice President Kamala Harris sat for her first interview on Fox News Wednesday as the Democratic presidential candidate continued her media blitz ahead of the November election. And while it’s generating plenty of headlines, these kinds of big interviews just don’t hold the power they used to, according to Nick Quah, a podcast and culture critic at New York Magazine who’s been following the candidates’ interviews on the alternative media circuit. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Quah about how Kamala Harris’ appearance on more internet-native shows like the podcast “Call Her Daddy” or Donald Trump’s appearances on various “bro-centric” shows like Logan Paul ‘sYouTube channel represent a notable media shift compared to previous elections.
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