A Missed Opportunity?

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign sought an appearance on the popular YouTube show "Hot Ones," but the show declined. This revelation came to light during an episode of the podcast "Pod Save America," where host Dan Pfeiffer interviewed key members of the Harris-Walz campaign.

Pfeiffer, a former advisor to President Barack Obama, questioned the campaign's media strategy, specifically their focus on non-traditional platforms like podcasts. He cited "Hot Ones" as an ideal fit for Harris, given the show's massive audience and engaging format.

However, Stephanie Cutter, who led the campaign's media strategy, explained that "Hot Ones" declined their request because they didn't want to delve into politics. This decision aligns with the show's history of avoiding explicitly political discussions.

The interview also touched on Harris' absence from "The Joe Rogan Experience," another popular podcast. While Donald Trump appeared on Rogan's show in October 2020, the Harris campaign claimed logistical difficulties prevented a similar appearance.

This episode of "Pod Save America" highlights the growing trend of politicians utilizing new media platforms to reach voters. The 2020 presidential election saw both campaigns actively engage with podcasts, gaming streams, and social media platforms like TikTok, reflecting a shift in how political campaigns connect with the electorate.