V Spehar, a journalist and creator behind UnderTheDeskNews on TikTok, joins to discuss the powerful role of social media influencers in shaping the political landscape for the 2024 election. They examine strategies used by the Trump and Harris campaigns to connect with voters outside traditional media. V highlights the potential impact of a TikTok ban on political engagement and analyzes how celebrities can drive voter turnout. The conversation offers fresh insights into the intersection of social media and modern campaigning.
Kamala Harris is pivoting to influencer platforms to connect with younger voters, moving away from traditional media engagement.
Trump's campaign targets young men through 'bro pods', while Harris employs diverse influencers to reach various demographics.
The growing reliance on influencers illustrates a shift in political communication strategies, challenging the relevance of traditional media outlets.
Deep dives
Launch of Ringer Movies YouTube Channel
A new YouTube channel called Ringer Movies has been launched, featuring content from popular shows such as The Big Picture and The Rewatchables. This channel aims to offer movie enthusiasts full episodes and special live features, alongside avenues for deep dives into movie history hosted by various contributors from The Ringer. The intention behind this channel is to expand their audience and enhance the movie criticism experience by providing visual and interactive content. The channel appears to be a significant development for fans looking for comprehensive and entertaining film discussions.
JD Vance's Debate Performance
JD Vance's recent debate performance offered him a chance to shift public perception following past controversial statements about Donald Trump and the American public. Initially struggling with unpopularity, his likability improved significantly post-debate, with approval ratings jumping from negative 22 to negative three. Tim Waltz's friendly demeanor during the debate further helped bolster Vance’s image, as they found common ground without direct confrontation. Observers speculate that Vance is positioning himself as a potential future leader for the Republican Party, capable of bridging divides between traditional conservatives and the MAGA movement.
Kamala Harris's Strategic Media Approach
Kamala Harris is notably shifting her media strategy to focus on influencer platforms rather than traditional media outlets, aiming to engage younger, undecided voters. Despite previous efforts to avoid legacy press interactions, her team recognizes the need for increased visibility, especially as she plans her first town hall with Univision. This approach appears aimed at reaching specific demographics that feel alienated by conventional media narratives and are increasingly seeking information from influencers. The effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, given the limited time before elections and the need for broader public recognition.
Influencer Campaigns in Politics
Both political camps are increasingly relying on influencer campaigns, suggesting a significant shift from traditional media engagement to direct voter communication. While Trump's strategy appears to be appealing primarily to young men through 'bro pods,' Harris is targeting audiences through a more diverse influencer approach. The discussion highlights concerns regarding whether these influencer-based methods can effectively reach critical undecided voters who ultimately determine election outcomes. However, the adaptability and relatability of influencers in engaging with younger demographics may prove beneficial for both campaigns.
The Complex Dynamics of Media and Political Influence
The relationship between traditional media and new media channels is under scrutiny as both platforms work to shape political narratives. Influencers are gaining traction for their ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, often bypassing traditional press scrutiny. Discussions emphasize the challenges faced by legacy media in maintaining relevance and the importance of collaboration with influencers to enhance the credibility of information presented. Such dynamics create a shifting landscape where traditional news outlets must adapt or risk falling behind in an evolving media environment.
Tara is joined by journalist and host of the TikTok account UnderTheDeskNews V Spehar to talk about the effect social media influencers have on the 2024 presidential election. They shine a light on how the Trump and Harris campaigns are going outside mainstream media to promote their campaigns, break down the elements of the imminent TikTok ban that is currently signed and being challenged in the courts, and examine the effect of celebrities on voter turnout.
For more of Tara’s reporting, please sign up for her newsletter, 'The Best and the Brightest,' at puck.news/tarapalmeri and use the discount code TARA20.
