The Bizarre New Age of Digital Campaigning

Presidential victory speeches offer clear opportunities for agenda setting, words of hope and a display of gratitude to those who have helped a president-elect in their often bitter, tiring efforts. Recipients of shoutouts during such grandiose events are typically limited to family members, friends, top campaign officials, important political allies, key donors and voters. However, during the victory celebration at Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential election watch party, some other, more interesting names were mentioned. After the president-elect called Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White to the microphone, White took the opportunity to “thank the Nelk Boys, Adin Ross, Theo Von, Bussin’ With The Boys and last but not least, the mighty and powerful Joe Rogan.” Although the shoutout likely struck many Americans as completely bizarre, White’s words reflect the increased usage of online influencers (including podcasters, YouTubers and Twitch streamers) as avenues for political outreach.

The Artistic Ithacan | Episode Two

Join Peter Buonanno ’21 and the Arts and Entertainment Department as they sit down with Cornell’s very own Midnight Comedy Troupe.