In an in-depth conversation on the MeidasTouch Network, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) joined Ben Meiselas to discuss the evolving political landscape, particularly the shifting views of young men away from the Democratic Party. Meiselas kicked off the interview by revisiting a previous discussion they had, highlighting the growing trend of Gen Z men gravitating towards MAGA and the impact of right-leaning content on platforms like podcasts and Twitch. Both noted the need for Democrats to examine their outreach efforts and find ways to resonate with young men without compromising core values like equality and rights.
Auchincloss acknowledged the issue, pointing to polling data that revealed an alarming trend: Democrats were polling better with 85-year-old men than with 18-year-olds—a trend he described as unsustainable for the party’s future. While young men’s disengagement is concerning, Auchincloss emphasized that economic challenges like inflation had significantly eroded Democratic support across nearly every demographic. Inflation, compounded by COVID disruptions and global issues like the invasion of Ukraine, has led to widespread frustration among voters. Auchincloss argued that it’s essential for Democrats to both explain these root causes and clearly communicate their plans to address the rising cost of living, such as building more affordable housing and investing in clean energy.
The conversation shifted to the role of social media, with Auchincloss stressing the negative influence of online environments on young men’s attitudes and behaviors. He highlighted his legislative efforts to hold social media companies accountable, such as raising the age limit for social media and establishing standards to reduce harmful content. For him, the goal is to create a media landscape that fosters positive engagement rather than driving young men toward isolation or extremist ideologies.
Both Meiselas and Auchincloss discussed the “alpha” narrative prevalent in right-wing media, which often frames masculinity in a way that punches down at marginalized communities. Auchincloss shared personal stories of his mother’s achievements in the medical field and the supportive role his father played, underscoring that masculinity can be defined by respect and mutual support rather than dominance. He also advocated for Democrats to reach out to young men by highlighting real-life leaders who embody authentic strength and resilience, like veterans and community builders.
Finally, Auchincloss outlined his broader vision for a future Democratic agenda, focusing on ambitious, long-term projects like building new housing, increasing domestic manufacturing, and fostering a sense of pride and purpose among young men. He emphasized the need for Democrats to adopt a continuous campaign mindset—engaging with voters across all media channels and avoiding the last-minute scramble before elections. Meiselas echoed this sentiment, urging for consistent engagement to build a strong foundation of support over time.
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