Staff Reports
Donald Trump has been making the rounds on the podcast circuit, and it seems he is playing his cards with young men in mind — a demographic that could determine the outcome of the upcoming election. From comedians to wrestlers and even social media stars, Trump is talking to the types of influencers who resonate with this audience. Recent episodes have included chats with the likes of Theo Von, Logan Paul, and Adin Ross. Perhaps the most talked-about was his lengthy exchange with Elon Musk, the man behind X (formerly Twitter). This is not just casual banter; it is a strategic attempt to woo young men who might lean conservative and are playing hard to get when it comes to voting.
During an appearance on Shawn Ryan’s podcast, the former president emphasized the necessity of voting, noting that certain groups, despite being “great Americans,” tend to shy away from the polls. Trump underscored the importance of the upcoming election, dubbing it “the most important in American history.” It’s clear that he’s particularly keen on reaching those who have served their country, like the military veterans who tune in to Ryan’s show. In a clever tactical move, he’s leveraging platforms with built-in camaraderie, allowing him to shoot the breeze for extended periods in an environment that feels welcoming and relatable.
BREAKING: Trump just appeared on the WILDLY POPULAR Theo Von podcast. The episode dropped mere moments ago, and it's already taking YouTube and social media by storm
Theo Von has a massive audience of young voters between the ages of 18 and 35
Trump is reaching every audience… pic.twitter.com/QSRFWt4sgf
— George (@BehizyTweets) August 20, 2024
In addition to his podcast appearances, Trump has maintained a steady schedule of press conferences and his signature rallies. He is making a point to draw a stark comparison to the reclusive Vice President Kamala Harris, who has managed to keep herself largely out of the limelight. By engaging in these friendly podcast chats where he can connect with millions of potential voters, Trump is using a layered approach to campaign strategy, increasing his chances of coming out on top.
While the conversations might veer off into personal anecdotes or nostalgic tales—like reminiscing about the legendary Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier boxing match—there are unmistakable signs of masculinity throughout. For example, Von donned a UFC shirt as he and Trump exchanged pleasantries about sports. Interestingly enough, Trump’s own son Barron apparently admires Von, creating an amusing picture of youthful enthusiasm toward the influencer’s work. If reaching this audience is a game, then Trump seems to have tapped into the right playbook.
The feedback from both sides of the aisle about Trump’s podcast escapades has been a mixed bag. Some Democratic strategists say that while the outreach to young men is a smart move, it’s also laden with potential pitfalls. Trump’s infamous habit of making outrageous remarks could backfire, making it a double-edged sword. Republicans have also echoed a similar sentiment, recognizing that while reaching new audiences is intelligent, it could leave Trump vulnerable to gaffes that might paint him as off-message—something he’s been known to do with some regularity.
While Trump is busy working on courting young men, the Democrats aren’t sitting on their hands. They’ve been hustling to attract social media influencers, offering platforms and opportunities to engage with influencers at events like the recent Democratic National Convention. This kind of outreach indicates that even though the political landscape may appear divided, both parties recognize the power of connecting through modern media. That said, if Trump successfully rallies the young vote, he might just pull off a surprise that will leave the Democrats scrambling to keep up.
