How Dems are wooing Gen Z by inviting hundreds of influencers and content creators to the DNC for the first time
Democrats are trying to entice Gen Z by inviting hundreds of social media influencers to the Democratic National Party Convention.
A blue carpet was rolled out for 200 content creators at the event at Chicago’s sprawling United Center, where they were invited to make TikTok videos in a cordoned-off “creators lounge,” which was stocked with refreshments including cookies from Kamala Harris.
For the first time, influencers were invited to the event to record their experiences for their millions of followers, with some even giving talks on the new ‘creator platform’ stage.
It’s a move that underscores the importance of Gen Z’s voice to Harris Walsz’s campaign, and the importance of leveraging influencer reach, just like traditional news reporting.
Journalists even had to fight with influencers for seats at the convention. There were only 46 press box seats available, compared to 360 at the Republican convention last month.
Model and influencer Deja Foxx, who worked on Harris’ 2019 presidential primary campaign, was also in attendance
A photo from Deja Foxx’s social media page shows her at the convention
Heather Garner, a political content creator with nearly 400,000 TikTok followers, attended the convention
Heather Garner, a political content creator with nearly 400,000 TikTok followers, attended the convention and believes influencers are the future of political communications.
She said, “There are millions of Gen Z voters who are going to vote for the first time,” she said.
“And they’re not getting their information from the New York Times. They’re not getting their information from CNN Cable News or traditional news outlets. It’s on social media.”
Model and influencer Deja Foxx, who worked on Harris’ 2019 presidential primary campaign, was also in attendance.
The 24-year-old spoke on stage about reproductive rights as “the theme of this election.”
She said, “Especially in some of the swing states like Arizona. It’s not just about winning the electoral battle. When we see a combination of race-based and gender-based attacks, it’s about winning the narrative battle because little girls are listening to see what’s possible.”
A photo from Deja Foxx’s Instagram shows the influencer with a friend announcing that they’re going to have a party
Brandy, better known by her social media account @thegenzpublicist, is a 24-year-old influencer from Atlanta who was invited to the convention
A video posted to Brandy’s Instagram account shows her and other influencers at the convention
“Content creators like those here have the opportunity to shape the political views of a generation this election cycle.”
Brandy, better known by her social media account @thegenzpublicist, is a 24-year-old influencer from Atlanta who was invited to the convention.
She said, “I think we’re all on the same page when it comes to policy,” said Brandy, a 24-year-old influencer from Atlanta.
It’s been three weeks to a month now [since Harris became the nominee]like giving my sister a break. She has time, right?
“But at the same time, I think the DNC stage is the perfect opportunity to sort things out. We saw the economic policies come through.
“I look forward to seeing more, especially what she’s going to do in the health care space.”