{"id":2329619,"date":"2024-08-22T22:17:55","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T02:17:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/dnc-invites-hundreds-of-influencers-to-win-over-young-voters-turns-out-ones-a-terrorist-sympathizer\/"},"modified":"2024-08-22T22:23:18","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T02:23:18","slug":"dnc-invites-hundreds-of-influencers-to-win-over-young-voters-turns-out-ones-a-terrorist-sympathizer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/dnc-invites-hundreds-of-influencers-to-win-over-young-voters-turns-out-ones-a-terrorist-sympathizer\/","title":{"rendered":"DNC Invites Hundreds of Influencers to Win Over Young Voters: Turns Out One&#8217;s a Terrorist Sympathizer"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">32<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fdnc-invites-hundreds-of-influencers-to-win-over-young-voters-turns-out-ones-a-terrorist-sympathizer%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2329619&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>During\u200d the\u2064 Democratic National \u200cConvention in Chicago, over 200 social media influencers, streamers, and other \u2064digital content creators are\u2062 actively sharing their experiences through livestreams and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/why-this-average-american-is-voting-for-donald-trump\/\" title=\"Why This Average American Is Voting for Donald Trump\">social media posts<\/a>.\u2064 Among them is a young\u2063 influencer nicknamed &#8220;Knowa,&#8221; who has interacted \u200dwith various\u200c prominent \u200cDemocrats and \u200bRepublican figures. <\/p>\n<p>The event highlights a newfound digital strategy aimed at \u200cengaging younger, \u200bless traditional \u2063voters \u200bthrough \u2064platforms like \u2062TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. Influencers such as a North Carolina veteran known as &#8220;Hillbilly for Harris,&#8221; who boasts over 5 million\u2063 TikTok followers, aim to capture the diverse audience attending the convention. <\/p>\n<p>To\u2063 support \u200cthis initiative, the DNC has created\u2064 spaces like &#8220;Creators for Kamala&#8221; lounges and a dedicated Creator\u2063 Platform \u2063for influencers\u200c to create content from \u2063the floor \u200dof the convention. Influencers \u2064are not only sharing lighthearted content but are also discussing significant issues, \u200cincluding the ongoing war\u200c in Gaza.<\/p>\n<p>The DNC&#8217;s\u200c approach reflects a broader shift in how political engagement is conducted, recognizing that smaller online communities\u200c now play\u200d a vital role in disseminating news and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-desantis-to-share-stage-at-evangelical-event-in-washington\/\" title=\"Trump and DeSantis to Co-Present at Evangelical Event in DC\">shaping public \u200bopinion<\/a>, despite the potential risks of\u2062 not \u2063following traditional media standards. \u2062This strategy mirrors movements\u2064 on\u2062 the GOP side, where influencers are\u2064 also\u200b being utilized to reach audiences.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<section>\n<p>Across this week&rsquo;s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, more than 200 online influencers, streamers and other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/fact-check-does-this-image-show-donald-trumps-aug-21-rally-in-alabama\/\" title=\"FACT CHECK: Does This Image Show Donald Trump\u2019s Aug. 21 Rally In Alabama?\">social media personalities<\/a> have been capturing and livestreaming their impressions of what&rsquo;s going on.<\/p>\n<p>There&rsquo;s the 12-year-old nicknamed &ldquo;Knowa,&rdquo; who&rsquo;s posted with a swath of prominent Democrats and went head-to-head with Republican personalities like MyPillow founder Mike Lindell inside the convention hall.<\/p>\n<p>A veteran from rural North Carolina with more than 5 million TikTok followers proclaimed himself a &ldquo;Hillbilly for Harris.&rdquo; Other influencers and social media personalities are sharing everything from the food available at trucks outside the United Center to attendees&rsquo; thoughts on more serious issues, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/israel-may-end-war-gaza-new-deal-even-hamas-isnt-defeated-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">war in Gaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The creators were invited to the DNC by convention organizers, a new but significant part of a digital strategy that aims to leverage the sizable followings of creators across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Discord and Twitch, according to officials with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris&rsquo; campaign. They hope it will help Harris and running mate Tim Walz reach new voters who might not be following along with political news via traditional media.<\/p>\n<p>The creators span a range of ages, backgrounds and content specialties, often reflecting the diversity of the audiences they serve. They can be spotted throughout the United Center, with phones on tripods and selfie sticks.<\/p>\n<p>  <script> \t\t\t\tif( ! getCookie( 'ff_subbed' ) ) if( typeof FFADS.replace_ict !='undefined' ) if( FFADS.replace_ict ) eval( FFADS.replace_ict ); \t\t\t<\/script> <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/bomb-threats-dnc-alarming-allegations-surround-democrats-convention-situation-heats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The DNC<\/a> rolled out perks like &ldquo;Creators for Kamala&rdquo; lounges stocked with food and beverages alongside working space. Inside the convention hall, there&rsquo;s the first-ever Creator Platform, a slightly elevated space that gives creators a spot from which to pose and post.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s kind of surreal to be sitting here and surrounded by so many politicians and people with political influence that I&rsquo;ve looked up to for so long, and then to be surrounded by other creators. It&rsquo;s a testament to how the media landscape has shifted, and how much influence as creators we have,&rdquo; said AustinShow, an American YouTuber and Twitch streamer with millions of followers across platforms.<\/p>\n<p>Russell Ellis, also known as &ldquo;jolly_good_ginger&rdquo; to his TikTok followers, also remarked on the turn of events that led him to the convention floor.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m authentically a hillbilly, a Hillbilly for Harris, in fact,&rdquo; Ellis said. &ldquo;In 2020, I got laid off of my job, and with nothing else to do, I made a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/bidens-tiktok-calling-trump-racist-backfires-immediately-people-highlight-real-campaign-issue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TikTok<\/a> video to kind of rant. And you know, 5 million people later, here I am.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Some of the content already produced is on the lighter side of what&rsquo;s going on as the thousands of Democratic delegates gather in Chicago, like daily convention outfit checks. Other accounts, like UnderTheDeskNews, peel back the curtain on the convention process, sharing with followers information about delegates&rsquo; duties and what it is like to be on the convention floor they might have seen on television.<\/p>\n<p>Hasan Piker, who has 2.7 million followers on Twitch and has been outspoken about Israel and the war in Gaza (Piker, a known terrorist sympathizer,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/2023\/10\/27\/leftist-streamer-hasan-piker-justifies-hamas-baby-beheadings-as-both-legal-and-moral\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attempted to justify&nbsp;<\/a>Hamas terrorists&rsquo; murder of Israeli babies) &mdash; a key issue dividing Democrats &mdash; has been streaming his experience around the DNC footprint, showing viewers around the food truck area and, on Wednesday night, interviewing U.S. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, as convention speakers took the floor behind them.<\/p>\n<p>Former President Donald Trump and his GOP allies have also sought to reach online audiences, especially men, through outreach and appearances with personalities on YouTube and other streaming platforms. Trump has sat for interviews with YouTuber and actor Jake Paul as well as streamer Adin Ross &mdash; who pushed Trump to do a dance with him that immediately landed on TikTok.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/influencers-refused-pay-elon-musk-8-month-twitter-realize-just-missed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Influencers<\/a> have traditionally dominated the worlds of retail and marketing, oftentimes partnering with brands to promote products to their audience. A shifting preference for authenticity and niche online communities has meant that Americans are increasingly as likely to receive their news from smaller, but deeply engaged communities as from major brands and personalities.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We are living in a hybrid media reality where the non-credentialed and non-mainstream press voices are very important,&rdquo; said John Wihbey, an associate professor of media innovation and technology at Northeastern University.<\/p>\n<p>While the DNC&rsquo;s decision to invite influencers may put the party&rsquo;s message in front of new audiences of voters, Wihbey said it can also pose some risks since content creators typically do not abide by the same standards as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrats-target-cable-providers-for-carrying-fox-newsmax-oann\/\" title=\"Democrats Target Cable Providers for Carrying Fox, Newsmax, OANN\">traditional media outlets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-style: italic;\">The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative;\">\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\">  <\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-submit-correction inner-content\">\n<div class=\"correction-form\">\n<form style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"sc-name-field\"> <label>* Name<\/label> <br \/> <input type=\"text\" name=\"name\" required> <\/div>\n<div class=\"sc--field\"> <label>* <\/label> <br \/> <input type=\"text\" name=\"\" required> <\/div>\n<p> <label>* Message<\/label> <br \/> <textarea name=\"message\" required><\/textarea>  <\/p>\n<div class=\"required-message\" style=\"display: none; padding-bottom: 15px;\">* All fields are required.<\/div>\n<p> <input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); firefly_sc();\">  <\/p>\n<div class=\"firefly-sc-confirm\" style=\"display: none;\">Success!<\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <script> \t\t\tfunction firefly_sc() { \t\t\t\tif( typeof window.captchaPublicKey==typeof undefined ){ \t\t\t\t\tconsole.error('window.captchaPublicKey is not defined'); \t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\tgrecaptcha.execute( window.captchaPublicKey, { action: 'submit_correction' } ).then( function( token ) { \t\t\t\t\tvar opts={ \t\t\t\t\t\taction:    'firefly_sc_submit', \t\t\t\t\t\tname:      document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"name\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\t:     document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tmessage:   document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"message\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tpost_id:   firefly_post_id, \t\t\t\t\t\tcap_token: token \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tvar inputs=[ 'name', '', 'message' ];  \t\t\t\t\tfor( var i=0; i <inputs.length; i++ ) if( ! ( opts[inputs[i]]=document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"' + inputs[i] + '\"]' ).value ) ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .required-message' ).style.display='block'; \t\t\t\t\t\treturn; \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction input[type=\"submit\"]' ).style.display='none'; \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).src=firefly_loading_gif_url; \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).style.display='inline-block';  \t\t\t\t\tconsole.log( 'ma subbing' );  \t\t\t\t\tif( firefly_post_id ) opts['post_id']=firefly_post_id;  \t\t\t\t\t\/* Send the data using post with element id name and name2*\/ \t\t\t\t\tvar posting=jQuery.post( firefly_ajax_url, opts );  \t\t\t\t\t\/* Alerts the results *\/ \t\t\t\t\tposting.done( function( response ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tif( response.success ) { \t\t\t\t\t\t\tconsole.log( response.data ); \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).style.display='none'; \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-confirm' ).style.display='block';  \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdataLayer.push( { 'event': 'submit-correction' } ); \t\t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t} \t\t<\/script>  <\/div>\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\">  <\/div>\n<style> \t\t\t \t\t\t.insticator-unit.type-commenting{margin: 0 10px 25px 10px}@media screen and (max-width:1060px){#div-insticator-ad-cmt-1, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-2, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-3, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-4{margin: 0 auto 25px auto !important;}}#div-insticator-ad-cmt-1, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-2, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-3, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-4{height: 280px !important; width: 336px !important} \t\t<\/style>\n<div class=\"insticator-unit type-commenting\">\n<div class=\"insticator-ads\">   <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\"> \t\t\t\t\tif ( ! getCookie( \"ff_subbed\" ) ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tInsticator.ad.loadAd(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-1\"); \t\t\t\t\t\tInsticator.ad.loadAd(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-2\"); \t\t\t\t\t} else { \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-1\").remove() \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-2\").remove() \t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t<\/script> <\/div>\n<div class=\"insticator-ads additional\">   <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\"> \t\t\t\t\tif ( ! getCookie( \"ff_subbed\" ) ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tInsticator.ad.loadAd(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-3\"); \t\t\t\t\t\tInsticator.ad.loadAd(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-4\"); \t\t\t\t\t} else { \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-3\").remove() \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-4\").remove() \t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t<\/script> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Throughout this week\u2019s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, over 200 online influencers, streamers, and social media figures have been documenting and livestreaming their experiences. Among them is a 12-year-old known as \u201cKnowa,\u201d who has shared moments with various notable Democrats and even engaged with Republican figures like MyPillow founder Mike Lindell within the convention hall. A veteran from rural North Carolina, boasting more than 5 million TikTok followers, has declared himself a \u201cHillbilly for Harris.\u201d Other influencers are showcasing everything from food trucks outside the United Center to attendees\u2019 opinions on significant topics such as the conflict in Gaza.<\/p>\n<p>These creators were invited by convention organizers as part of a new digital strategy aimed at utilizing their large followings on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and Twitch to connect with potential voters who may not engage with political news through traditional media channels. The group represents a diverse array of ages and backgrounds that reflect the audiences they cater to. They can be seen throughout the United Center using phones mounted on tripods or selfie sticks.<\/p>\n<p>The DNC has introduced amenities such as \u201cCreators for Kamala\u201d lounges filled with food and drinks alongside workspaces. Inside the convention hall is an inaugural Creator Platform\u2014an elevated area designed for creators to pose for photos and share content. AustinShow, an American YouTuber and Twitch streamer with millions of followers across various platforms remarked on how surreal it feels to be surrounded by influential politicians he admires while also being among fellow creators. <\/p>\n<p>Russell Ellis, known as \u201cjolly_good_ginger\u201d on TikTok, reflected on his journey to the convention floor: &#8220;I\u2019m genuinely a hillbilly\u2014a Hillbilly for Harris,&#8221; he said. &#8220;In 2020 I lost my job; I made a TikTok video out of frustration\u2014and now here I am with 5 million followers.&#8221; Some content produced so far includes lighthearted takes like daily outfit checks at the convention while others delve into behind-the-scenes insights about delegates&#8217; roles.<\/p>\n<p>Hasan Piker\u2014who has garnered 2.7 million followers on Twitch\u2014has been vocal about Israel and Gaza during his streams around DNC events; this topic remains divisive among Democrats. He showcased areas like food trucks while interviewing U.S. Rep Greg Casar of Texas amidst ongoing speeches.<\/p>\n<p>Former President Donald Trump along with GOP allies have also targeted online audiences through outreach efforts involving personalities from YouTube and other streaming services; Trump notably participated in interviews where he engaged in playful antics that quickly spread across social media platforms.<\/p>\n<p>Influencers have long played key roles in retail marketing but are now increasingly recognized for their ability to shape public opinion due to shifting preferences towards authenticity within niche communities rather than mainstream brands or personalities alone. John Wihbey\u2014a professor specializing in media innovation at Northeastern University\u2014commented that we live in an era where non-traditional press voices hold significant sway.<\/p>\n<p>While inviting influencers could help broaden voter outreach for the DNC&#8217;s message according to Wihbey\u2014it also carries risks since these content creators often do not adhere strictly to journalistic standards typical of established media outlets<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2329620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/cd2f27465b924635980907edb466b937-scaled.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[7705,9181,39032,32604],"class_list":["post-2329619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-dnc","tag-influencers","tag-terrorist-sympathizer","tag-young-voters"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/cd2f27465b924635980907edb466b937-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2329619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2329619"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2329619\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2329620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2329619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2329619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2329619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}