A Dad-Coded VP Pick. Plus, Trump Courts Gen Z Influencers
2Digest
The podcast delves into the intersection of politics, media, and the rise of news influencers. It begins with an announcement of new merchandise, a blaze orange hat, available with donations. The episode then discusses Donald Trump's appearance on a popular influencer show, Kick, hosted by Aiden Ross, a 23-year-old live streamer. This event highlights the growing influence of online personalities in shaping political discourse. The podcast further examines the Democratic National Convention's decision to credential news influencers, raising questions about the future of journalism and the role of traditional media in a rapidly changing landscape. The episode also analyzes Trump's campaign tactics, including name-calling and Swiftboating, and contrasts them with Tim Walls' strategy of appealing to older white voters through a "dad" persona. The podcast explores the concept of the "Zinternet," a term coined by writer Max Reed to describe a nexus of internet subcultures that the MAGA campaign is reportedly courting. The episode concludes by discussing the challenges facing traditional media in the age of news influencers, including declining trust, competition from online personalities, and the need to adapt to changing consumption habits.
Outlines
Introduction and Merch Announcement
Micah introduces the show and announces new OTM merch, a blaze orange hat, available for a limited time with donations.
Trump's Clout and News Influencers
The episode discusses Donald Trump's appearance on a popular influencer show and the DNC's credentialing of news influencers, exploring the impact of these trends on journalism and politics.
Trump's Campaign Tactics and the "Dad" Stereotype
The episode analyzes Trump's campaign tactics, including name-calling and Swiftboating, and explores the "dad" stereotype as it relates to Tim Walls' appeal to voters.
The Rise of News Influencers and the Future of Journalism
The episode examines the Democratic National Convention's credentialing of news influencers, discussing the impact of these influencers on the media landscape and the future of journalism.
Keywords
Tim Walls
Tim Walls is a politician and former military officer who is running for Vice President. He is known for his "dad" persona and his appeal to older white voters.
Swiftboating
A dishonest campaign tactic used to attack candidates by smearing their decency and patriotism. It originated in the 2004 presidential election, where a group called Swiftboat Veterans For Truth smeared John Kerry's military service.
News Influencer
Individuals who gain influence and reach through creating and sharing news content online, often on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. They may produce original content or aggregate news from traditional media outlets.
Aiden Ross
A 23-year-old live streamer who gained notoriety for his interview with Donald Trump on the platform Kick. He is known for his variety streaming content and his association with other influencers.
Kick
A live streaming platform similar to Twitch, known for its looser content moderation policies and its allowance of gambling. It was founded by the creators of Stake, an online casino company.
Zinternet
A term coined by writer Max Reed to describe a nexus of internet subcultures, including crypto-bros, habitual sports bettors, and southern sorority girls, which the MAGA campaign is reportedly courting.
Q&A
How is Tim Walls' campaign strategy different from Donald Trump's?
Tim Walls' campaign strategy focuses on a "dad" persona, appealing to older white voters with a sense of normalcy and Midwestern values. Trump, on the other hand, employs more aggressive tactics like name-calling and Swiftboating.
What is the impact of news influencers on the media landscape?
News influencers are changing the way people consume news, particularly among younger audiences. They are challenging traditional media outlets and creating new avenues for information dissemination.
What are the potential risks and benefits of politicians engaging with news influencers?
Engaging with news influencers can provide politicians with access to new audiences, particularly younger demographics. However, it also carries risks, such as potential exposure to misinformation and the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving media landscape.
What are the challenges facing traditional media in the age of news influencers?
Traditional media outlets are facing declining trust, competition from news influencers, and the need to adapt to changing consumption habits. They are struggling to maintain relevance and financial stability in a rapidly evolving media environment.
Show Notes
This week, Kamala Harris’ VP pick Tim Walz went viral for being a typical Midwestern dad. On this week’s On the Media, the narratives surrounding Walz, and the political appeal of the car-tinkering, grill-manning father figure. Plus, the news influencers covering the election, and what their work reveals about the future of legacy journalism.
[02:22 ] Host Brooke Gladstone examines the narratives swirling around Gov. Tim Walz, and chats with Charlie Warzel, staff writer at The Atlantic, about the many memes, videos, and tweets claiming the VP nominee is “dad-coded.”
[14:50 ] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Nathan Grayson, reporter and co-founder of the gaming publication Aftermath. They discuss Donald Trump’s recent interview with live streamer Adin Ross and Trump’s courtship of edgelord influencers like Logan Paul. Plus, is there a place for politicians on platforms like Twitch and Kick?
[33:18 ] Host Micah Loewinger talks with Makena Kelly, who writes about politics and the internet for Wired, about how the Republican and Democratic national conventions are inviting influencers to watch. Then, Micah checks in with Taylor Lorenz, columnist at the Washington Post and host of the podcast Power User, about how the rise of short-form video is impacting the news industry.
Further reading / listening:
- “Dad Is on the Ballot” by Charlie Warzel
- Stream Big: The Triumphs and Turmoils of Twitch and the Stars Behind the Screen (forthcoming in 2025) by Nathan Grayson
- The Influencers with as Much Presidential Access as the Press, by Makena Kelly
- Democratic convention will host hundreds of online influencers, by Taylor Lorenz
On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.
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