Democrats Seek to Win Back Young Men by Engaging on Cultural Battlegrounds

According to progressive strategist Joe Jacobson, Democrats don't need to find a liberal equivalent of Joe Rogan to win back young male voters. Instead, they need to engage with them on cultural issues. Jacobson, the founder of the Progress Action Fund, believes that young men are not primarily focused on politics and that Democrats need to reach them where they are.

Jacobson, a former policy advisor in the Obama administration, now leads a progressive PAC focused on electing Democrats in swing states. His group is part of a larger effort to regain the support of younger male voters, a demographic that shifted significantly towards Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

The Progress Action Fund has gained attention for its provocative, viral advertisements. These ads feature a fictional "Republican Congressman" who intrudes on private moments to satirize conservative policies. Jacobson argues that Democrats need to highlight issues they care about, such as transgender rights and immigration, because they currently lack a clear message.

weak messaging and unappealing messengers. He suggests that figures like Kamala Harris and, in 2024, Joe Biden, were not the best choices to connect with young men. He argues that young men are looking for strong leaders who can achieve tangible results.

Instead of seeking out a high-profile influencer like Rogan, Jacobson suggests that Democrats should amplify authentic, progressive voices. He names David Hogg and Rep. Maxwell Frost as examples of individuals he believes are more relevant to young men than the party's current leadership.

Jacobson's group is working to raise a significant amount of money to target young men through advertising on gaming sites and social media platforms. He believes that traditional media outlets are less effective at reaching this demographic, who are more engaged with social media, gaming, and sports.

Jacobson emphasizes the need for compelling messengers and bold policies on economic and social issues. He believes that Democrats must address cultural issues and fight back against conservative narratives. His group plans to release new ads addressing the transgender debate and Republican policies on immigration.

Despite the disappointing results for Democrats in the 2024 election, Jacobson remains optimistic. He believes that Democrats can regain the support of young men by being relatable and avoiding the perception of being out of touch. He points to past successes with young male voters as evidence that this is achievable.