National Democratic Party The conference organizers really rolled out the green carpet for influencers this year. Today on the show, WIRED senior reporter Makena Kelly joins from Chicago to talk about the Democrats’ strategy of prioritizing creators over journalists, and whether that’s helping them win votes. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at influencer after-parties.
Leah Feiger is @Leah Feiger. Makena Kelly is @kellymakenaWrite to us at [email protected]. Be sure to sign up for the WIRED Politics Lab newsletter. This.
Mentioned this week:
DNC is Officially the Conference of Influencers by Makena Kelly
A visual guide to the influencers shaping the 2024 election by Makena Kelly
How to listen
You can always listen to this week’s podcast via the audio player on this page, but if you want to subscribe for free to get every episode, here’s how:
If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, open the app called Podcasts or just tap this link. You can also download an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts and search for WIRED Politics Lab. We’re at Spotify also.
Record
Note: This is an automated recording so there may be errors.
Leah Feiger: This is WIRED Politics Lab, a show about how technology is changing politics. I’m Leah Feiger, senior politics editor at WIRED. Today on the show, the 2024 Democratic National Convention is coming to a close. Earlier this week, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama rallied Democrats around their new nominee.
Joe Biden [Archival audio]: Are you ready to vote for freedom?
Audiences: Yes!
Joe Biden [Archival audio]: Are you ready to vote for democracy and America?
Audiences: Yes!
Joe Biden [Archival audio]And tonight, Kamala Harris will close out the event. But unlike past conventions, each night will also feature influencers. People like content creator and abortion rights activist Deja Foxx.
Deja Foxx [Archival audio]: People my age are making important decisions about their lives and we deserve a president who supports us.
Leah Feiger: And Carlos Eduardo Espina, a TikToker and immigrant rights activist.
Carlos Eduardo Espina [Archival audio]: Supporting immigrants is supporting America.
Leah Feiger: Another 200 creators are attending and posting, all invited by the DNC, to connect with young voters and hopefully help Kamala Harris defeat Donald Trump. Joining me from Chicago to talk about what’s going on at the DNC is WIRED senior correspondent Makena Kelly. Hey, Makena, how’s it going?
Makena Kelly: I’m a little tired, but it’s the third day of the conference and there’s a lot going on. A lot going on.
Leah Feiger: Fair enough. In addition to all the DNC events during the day, you’ll also be attending all the parties that evening. What are they like?
Makena Kelly: Yeah, so I was out until 2:00 this morning. The last thing on my schedule was from 10:00 to 2:00 and it was a party called Hotties for Harris, and it was being held, it wasn’t-
