DNC convention ushers in era of the young voter
DNC convention ushers in era of the young voter
Also: Meet the influencers who spoke at the DNC, these are the seven swing states, and a city could be run by AI?
The 2024 Democratic National Convention was an electrifying blend of youthful energy, with a distinct focus on connecting with young voters. As the Democrats gathered in Chicago, the vibes were clear: this convention was about ushering in a new era, one that resonates deeply with Gen Z and millennial voters.
The presence of influencers and content creators transformed the DNC into a social media hotspot. Hundreds of young creators were invited to capture and share the convention's energy, effectively bringing the event to life on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These digital natives weren't just passive observers; they were active participants, using their platforms to rally support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. The "Hotties for Harris" party, for example, was a standout event, where influencers mingled with partygoers, creating content that seamlessly blended politics with pop culture.
Music played a significant role in setting the tone. With performances by artists who resonate with younger audiences, like rapper Lil Jon, the convention felt more like a festival than a traditional political event. This approach was a strategic move to capture the attention of a generation that values authenticity and connection.
A key figure at the convention was Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress. Frost’s speech, which highlighted issues like job creation and gun control, struck a chord with young voters. His presence on the main stage signaled a shift within the Democratic Party, emphasizing that Gen Z is not just the future, but a vital part of the present political landscape.
The DNC also highlighted the influence of young Democratic delegates. For example, Kansas being a sent a historic 11 young delegates determined to turn the traditionally red state to blue, reflecting the DNC’s goal of representing a diverse and youthful America. These young leaders and grassroots youth movements are passionate about issues that matter to their generation, such as reproductive rights, housing affordability, and climate change.
The convention wasn't just about nominating a candidate; it was about igniting a movement. As the DNC wrapped up, it was clear that the party is banking on the enthusiasm and activism of young voters to propel Kamala Harris to the presidency.
Tim Walz’s son Gus steals the show
In an emotional and unforgettable moment at the Democratic National Convention, 17-year-old Gus Walz, son of vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, captured the nation’s heart with his tearful exclamation, “That’s my dad!” As the Minnesota governor accepted his nomination, Gus stood overwhelmed with pride, his tears a touching display of the deep bond between Walz and his son. The high school senior’s heartfelt reaction quickly went viral, shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked challenges of living with learning disabilities, as his parents recently shared that Gus lives with ADHD, an anxiety disorder, and non-verbal learning disorder. His moment of joy has sparked a surge of public interest and compassion, with searches for his name and his condition trending online.
Dig Deeper:
↳ Sudden fame for Tim Walz’s son focuses attention on challenges of people with learning disabilities (AP)
↳ Gus Walz broke the internet with his tearful love for his dad. Then the bullying began (USA Today)
Young influencers shine at the DNC
The Clintons, Obamas, Biden, Harris, and Walz may have been the headliners at the Democratic National Convention, but it wasn’t just the old guard representing Democrats. For the first time, the DNC carved out time for influencers to make their case for Harris.
More than 200 content creators were given full access to the four-day convention in Chicago, where they created videos ranging from behind-the-scenes tours and news updates to interviews with Harris, along with dancing and lip-syncing content. Each night, at least one content creator addressed the crowd at the United Center.
Their speeches were brief, and some not even on the main stage, so if you missed them, here’s what you need to know about the Gen Z speakers:
Deja Foxx
The 24-year-old from Arizona worked for Kamala Harris’s 2020 presidential campaign as the youngest presidential campaign staffer in history when she was only 19 years old. She creates videos supporting Kamala Harris and reproductive rights for her 141,000 TikTok followers.
She spoke on the first night of the DNC about being a first-generation college student raised by a single mom in public housing. “People my age are making big decisions about our lives, and we deserve a president who has our back,” she said during her speech. “For young people, this is a fight for our future.”
Olivia Julianna
The 21-year-old activist from Texas creates TikTok videos for her 670,000+ followers, advocating for abortion rights and other progressive issues. At the DNC, Julianna spoke directly to Gen Z, urging young voters to support Kamala Harris. “As the saying goes, if you're not at the table, you're on the menu,” she said.
"I'm a creator, but I'm also an activist. My number one goal is to persuade people to get involved in politics, to help them understand how the government works," she told NPR.
Carlos Eduardo Espina
The 25-year-old immigration activist and law school graduate from Texas, dubbed “the one-man Telemundo on TikTok” by The New York Times, has over 10 million followers across the platform, where he covers a variety of topics in Spanish.
In a speech focused on immigration, Espina contrasted Trump with former Republican President Ronald Reagan. “Reagan knew that welcoming immigrants is not a Democratic or a Republican value. It is an American value. To be pro-immigrant is to be pro-America,” he said.
Millennial content creators Nabela Noor and John Russell also took the stage.
↪Dig deeper: Creators thrive at Democratic convention alongside traditional media and Hollywood star (NBC News)
↪Related: Content creator @KnowaWasTaken highlights the crucial role of social media in reaching younger audiences during the presidential election. (Sky News)
🫏 More DNC Convention news
➤ 5 Takeaways from Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech (NPR)
➤ Harris says Israel 'has right to defend itself,' Palestinians need 'dignity, security freedom and self-determination'
Harris defended Israel's right to self-defense, while vowing to push for a cease-fire that would rescue hostages and halt what she called the “ heartbreaking” scale of suffering in Gaza. (Times of Israel)
➤ Democrats refused to give Palestinian Americans a speaking slot at the convention (Axios)
➤ What voters outside the Democratic bubble thought of Harris’s speech
They aren’t all jumping the Democratic Party bandwagon. But Harris might have convinced some undecided voters (NYTimes)
➤ So about that special guest…Where was Beyoncé for the DNC's final night?
After performers like Stevie Wonder and John Legend helped create sky-high audience expectations, rumors swirled that Bey would sing her song “Freedom” at the DNC convention. But she never appeared. (AP)
➤ Here is the DNC roll call playlist
World-renowned DJ Cassidy paired music with each state as delegates pledged their support to Vice President Kamala Harris, bringing fun and emotion to a typically long and boring process. (NYTimes)
🗳️ More Politics
➤ Seven swing states set to decide the 2024 US election
In the final months of the election, Harris and Trump are at full throttle to win over undecided voters in seven battleground states which experts believe could hold the key to the White House. (BBC)
➤ Arkansas Supreme Court upholds rejection of abortion rights petitions
The court has upheld the state’s rejection of signature petitions in favor putting an abortion rights initiative on the November ballot (ABC News)
➤ Divided Supreme Court rejects GOP bid to prevent some Arizonans from voting in presidential election
The justices blocked enforcement of Arizona's 2022 law that would've forced voters to show proof of citizenship to vote for president. This move keeps the law on hold, ensuring tens of thousands of Arizonans won't lose their voting rights in the upcoming election while the legal battles continue. (POLITICO)
➤ Mayoral candidate vows to let VIC, an AI bot, run Wyoming’s capital city
Victor Miller has skirted attempts by OpenAI and the state to shut down his campaign, believed to be the first U.S. effort of its kind. (Washington Post)
➤ Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he’s suspending his presidential bid and backing Donald Trump
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent campaign for president Friday and endorsed Donald Trump, a late-stage shakeup of the presidential race that could give the former president a modest boost from Kennedy’s supporters. (AP)
🌎 Around the world
➤ One of Europe’s largest insurers is making Gen Z a priority with TikTok and Instagram
Insurance isn't sexy. If you ask Zurich's Chief Customer Officer Conny Kalcher, she'll tell you otherwise. (Fortune)
➤ After ousting Bangladesh's leader, Gen Z protesters are figuring out how to govern
It’s been over a week since Bangladeshis overthrew their autocratic prime minister in a movement largely led by Generation Z college students, high schoolers, teenagers. Now they’re taking charge — or trying to. (NPR)
➤ Gen Z consumers are shaking up China’s jade trade
From bargain hunting via live broadcasts to collecting at auction houses, young Chinese shoppers are taking up the banner of jade consumption. (Vogue)
🗞️ In other News
➤ The hotelification of offices, with signature scents and saltwater spas
Hoping to lure workers back to their desks, companies are designing “work resorts,” luxe spaces meant to compete with the comforts and versatility of their living room. (NYTimes)
💰 Money
➤ Fed chief says “time has come” to cut interest rates
Noting that inflation is easing while the job market is weakening, America’s top central banker Jerome Powell hinted that lower interest rates are coming soon. (CNN)
⚕️Health and wellness
➤ What you need to know about the new Covid-19 vaccine
Who should actually get the jab, and when? (Vox)
➤ Investing in graduate student mental health
Campus leaders at Ohio State University are using state funding to bolster resources and services for graduate and professional students on campus and remotely. (Inside Higher Ed)
👩💻 Technology
➤ Inside the rise of TikTok travel
Here's why a generation of travelers are planning their trips on the app. (CN Traveler)
➤ People are blurring their homes on Google Maps to deter burglars. Here's how
“Would-be thieves certainly want to scout their locations," an expert said. (ABC News)
🍿Pop Culture
➤ American Express is using Olivia Rodrigo concerts and F1 to attract Gen Z in its long-neglected European market
For many, the American Express card is seen as a badge of success. But outside of major cities in Europe, Amex is often rejected by retailers. (Fortune)
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