They have lost a big demographic.
Puck News journalist Peter Hamby stated on Thursday that Democrats have lost their edge with young male voters, as former President Trump effectively appeals to Generation Z with his “macho brand.” During a segment hosted by CNN anchor Dana Bash, the discussion centered around the gender divide in support, with men leaning towards Trump and women favoring Vice President Kamala Harris. Bash referenced Hamby’s article, “The Swift Rogan Election,” to highlight this trend.
Hamby raised the question of whether any Democrat could engage with media platforms where Trump is popular, such as Nelk Boys, Theo Von, and Joe Rogan, to advocate for Harris. While acknowledging that Bernie Sanders has participated in some of these spaces, he noted that it hasn’t significantly changed voter sentiment. He suggested that even if candidates like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appeared on popular podcasts, it wouldn’t meaningfully impact the young male voter demographic.
He emphasized the notable shift in young male voter support for Harris compared to her predecessors. According to a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll, while Harris has a significant lead among young women, her advantage among young men over Trump is minimal. Hamby lamented that past Democratic leaders like Joe Biden and Barack Obama could rely on young male support, a trend that appears to have dissipated.
Hamby attributed this shift to various factors, including cultural influences, Trump’s appeal, and economic concerns. He pointed out declining college enrollment and lagging labor force participation among young men. Additionally, he noted that issues like anti-woke sentiment resonate with this demographic, as Trump engages in activities that appeal to them, such as golfing with notable athletes and discussing popular culture.
The Democratic Party, according to Hamby, has struggled to connect with young men in a meaningful way. He remarked that Democrats haven’t fielded a “cool” candidate in years, adding that while Walz may appeal to some men, many of them already lean Democratic. Bash mentioned that the Harris campaign is still targeting young men, citing a “White Dudes for Harris” ad campaign aimed at economic issues. Washington Post reporter Maeve Reston observed that Harris’s rallies tended to be predominantly female, making it challenging to engage with male attendees, many of whom were there with their partners.
Reston noted the variability of support among white men, indicating that demographic factors could influence how they vote. For instance, she pointed out that Harris struggles among white, college-educated men in suburban areas of Pennsylvania, where their concerns differ from those in places like Wisconsin, where white male voters tend to align more with Democratic candidates. Hamby concluded by noting the diversity among voters across different states, emphasizing that the race remains tight and conditions vary significantly.
