CNN’s latest political commentary took an unexpected detour when Peter Hamby, in an off-the-cuff remark, managed to both highlight the Democrats’ struggle with younger male voters and poke fun at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
While discussing why the Democratic Party has a hard time connecting with that key demographic, Hamby threw in a zinger about Walz’s image, quipping that he appeals to “Bruce, who’s just packaged; he’s wearing a ‘Future is Female’ shirt.”
The comment left CNN host Dana Bash visibly scrambling to refocus the conversation, but it struck a chord with viewers, highlighting a genuine challenge for Democrats: resonating with voters who don’t align with the party’s more progressive identity politics.
Hamby’s sarcastic tone revealed an issue many Democrats are reluctant to acknowledge—that their appeal to certain voter groups, especially young men, feels increasingly out of touch. And while Hamby’s comment may have been in jest, it underscored a point Republicans have been quick to capitalize on: the party’s disconnect with key portions of the electorate.
Theo Von teaching Donald Trump about cocaine is the funniest thing I’ve seen all year pic.twitter.com/OVPHLENcZx
— Adam Foster (@AdamFostermusic) August 20, 2024
Walz, who has been busy propping up Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail, has long been positioned as a figure who represents modern masculinity and progressive ideals. However, as Hamby humorously pointed out, that image might not resonate with everyone—particularly younger men who are looking for a different kind of leadership.
In recent weeks, Walz’s vocal support for Harris and his advocacy for policies such as abortion rights and critiques of “white privilege” haven’t exactly energized this voter bloc, leaving Republicans room to seize the narrative.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump continues to bridge that gap with younger audiences in unconventional ways. His August appearance on comedian Theo Von’s podcast, “This Past Weekend,” was a prime example of his ability to tap into popular culture while maintaining a surprising level of engagement.
In the episode, Trump asked Von about his past drug use, even humorously pondering whether cocaine is a more powerful stimulant than other substances. Von’s reply—“Cocaine will turn you into a damn owl, homie”—generated laughter and curiosity from Trump, resulting in a memorable, viral moment.
This kind of laid-back, relatable conversation is something that Trump has used to his advantage, especially when trying to appeal to younger or more casual voters. The interview, filmed at Trump’s Bedminster country club, gave him a chance to reach Von’s wide audience of podcast listeners, many of whom might not typically engage with political content. The viral nature of the podcast, especially the candid exchange on drug addiction, showcased Trump’s ability to connect on a personal level, something that many feel Democratic candidates like Walz and Harris lack.