Could online influencers swinging the election for Kamala Harris with the blue carpet rolled out?
Chicago’s United Center, hosting the Democratic National Convention, features a designated “creators lounge” and a blue carpet for influencers to film videos.
This marks the first time that 200 influencers and content creators have been invited to the DNC to share their experience with their combined millions of followers.
Latest from the Democratic convention
The move signifies that the Kamala Harris campaign now values the influence of social media as much as traditional news outlets.
Heather Gardner, a TikTok influencer with nearly 400,000 followers, believes that influencers are the future of political communication.
She points out that Gen Z voters, many of whom are voting for the first time, rely on social media for information rather than traditional news sources like The New York Times and CNN.
Pic: Reuters
Peter McIndoe, known for the “birds aren’t real” conspiracy theory, has gained a following on social media and highlights the importance of targeting swing voters on platforms like TikTok.
He notes the significance of digital outreach in engaging voters who are reachable through algorithmic pockets on social media.
Harris’s social media channels, managed by a young team, are actively engaging with online audiences. The convention is being streamed vertically for the first time to cater to online viewers.
Deja Foxx, a model and content creator involved in Harris’s campaign, delivered a speech on stage focusing on reproductive rights.
Influencer Deja Foxx at the Democratic National Convention Pic: AP
She emphasized the importance of shaping political understanding among a new generation through content creation.
While some criticize the Harris/Walz campaign for prioritizing style and soundbites over substance, others like Brandy, a young influencer from Atlanta, look forward to hearing more detailed policy plans from Harris on issues like healthcare.
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As voters seek more information on Harris’s potential policies, the influence of online influencers could play a crucial role in mobilizing young voters to cast their ballots.
