Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas, in a recent profile piece with The Atlantic, demonstrated a growing trend among progressives: placing their trust in those with the largest social media following rather than the most effective communicators.
This approach, however, may not be as successful as they anticipate.
According to Western Journal, The Atlantic, known for its left-leaning stance, published an extensive feature on Crockett last month, titled A Democrat for the Trump Era. Despite the seemingly positive headline, Crockett's interview was riddled with missteps.
Elaine Godfrey, the author of the piece, revealed a telling incident towards the end of the article. "Four days before this story was published, Crockett called me to express frustration that I had reached out to so many House members without telling her first. She was, she told me, 'shutting down the profile and revoking all permissions,'" Godfrey wrote. Crockett, however, was mistaken in her belief that she could halt the publication process.
Godfrey had been inquiring about Crockett's colleagues' lack of support for her bid to become the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. The responses were far from flattering. While most declined to comment, a few anonymous staffers did share their views, describing Crockett as a "loose cannon" who is "undisciplined."
Godfrey also noted that Crockett viewed the Oversight Committee race as a microcosm of the Democratic Party's broader issues. "Her colleagues still havent learned what, to her, is obvious: Democrats need sharper, fiercer communicators," Godfrey wrote.
Crockett, in her conversation with Godfrey, emphasized the importance of social media reach, stating, "Its like, theres one clear person in the race that has the largest social-media following."
However, a large social media following doesn't necessarily equate to effective leadership or fighting spirit. For instance, climate activist Greta Thunberg boasts a significant social media presence, but does that qualify her to replace Crockett in the House?
While it's undeniable that President Donald Trump successfully leveraged social media to connect with a vast audience, it's a mistake to consider social media as the primary barometer of success. Social media, after all, is not a reflection of the real world.
It's a platform where opinions, often peppered with buzzwords, are easily shared. However, when it comes to addressing complex issues, devising innovative solutions, or making sound decisions, the importance of online metrics dwindles.
Trump's appeal lay in his novel ideas, brutal honesty, and humor, which resonated with many Americans. The Democrats, however, have struggled to replicate this success, largely due to their inability to understand the concerns of everyday Americans.
This disconnect is particularly evident among Americans who are more focused on providing for their families and working hard than on maintaining a social media presence. The declining approval ratings of the Democrats reflect this reality.
Unless the Democrats take steps to rectify this situation, this trend is likely to persist, at least until the American public delivers their verdict at the ballot box in the upcoming November elections.
Login