Last Thursday afternoon, I was looking forward to the final night of the Democratic National Convention. lawyer We spoke to content creators V. Spehar and Kamie Crawford about their experiences at the event, which promised to be a star-studded evening with a performance from superstar singer Pink followed by Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party’s presidential nomination.
V Spehar is a non-binary content creator best known for her popular TikTok series Under the Desk Newsand former Miss Teen USA and MTV co-host Kamie Crawford. catfishhave been at the forefront of blending social media influence with political activism, and their presence at the convention highlights the Democratic Party’s efforts to embrace new media and connect with younger, more diverse voters.
The interview took place amid the convention’s buzzing atmosphere, where political activism meets pop culture. Spehar and Crawford reflected on the event’s unique energy and noted how it differed from other political rallies they’ve attended. Spehar was particularly impressed with the level of access given to content creators, but was quick to make it clear that this access was carefully controlled.
“I think it’s been a really great experience,” Spehar said. They acknowledged that while there’s been some controversy about content creators usurping traditional mainstream media turf, the reality is more nuanced. “The narrative in media has always been that we’ve been given a front-row pass to everything and that we’re usurping traditional media, but honestly, that’s just not true.”
He explained that while creators were given access to certain spaces and the opportunity to film their content (often with phones without long lenses), it was far from the unlimited access that some reports had suggested.
The Democratic National Committee has issued credentials to more than 200 content creators this year to reach a wider range of potential voters. ReutersReports He said many social media influencers were “competing with journalists for access, prestige and space”, while some traditional media workers expressed dissatisfaction with their working conditions.
But Spehar dismissed those complaints, emphasizing the importance of reaching audiences through a variety of platforms. “We’re here, as are a lot of people who run independent newsletters,” they said. Spehar argued that having influencers at the convention is crucial to engaging with demographics that may not be reached through traditional media channels.
Crawford, who has garnered strong support for her work and entertainment content, is particularly LGBTQ+ Community. “It’s mind-blowing,” Crawford said. “The energy is just… so fun and progressive, and I think that’s something we’ve been craving and missing.”
The convention made a big effort to be inclusive, with over 800 LGBTQ+ representatives in attendance, a historic number. Spehar noted that the environment the Democratic Party has created makes people feel safe and accepted. “You feel normal,” Spehar said. “You go to the bathroom and people don’t look at you sideways… It was a really great experience and it gave me a lot of space to be creative, instead of trying to protect myself.”
The conversation turned friendly as the two influencers recounted their experiences. Spehar thought they saw Lizzo, a moment emblematic of the convention’s star-studded atmosphere. “For a second I thought it was Lizzo, but I wasn’t,” Spehar laughed.
Crawford noted the entertainment lineup, which included performances by John Legend, Stevie Wonder and an appearance by Pink, and noted how effectively Democrats are using pop culture to grab voters’ attention.
“We have to meet people where they are,” she says. “Bringing creators to the DNC for the first time is another example of meeting people where they are. People are on social media, they follow celebrities and influencers. They want to know what we’re thinking.”
Spehar agreed, noting that Harris’ campaign successfully incorporated cultural elements that resonated with a wide audience. “Kamala is part of the culture and works for the culture,” they said. “She understands the culture; it’s normal for her.” They cited the example of a Taylor Swift-inspired bracelet-making corner at a convention that served as a community space where people could connect and have meaningful conversations.
As Harris prepared to take the stage to confirm her nomination last Thursday, Spehar and Crawford both expressed optimism about the direction of the Democratic Party and the country. “I think you start to see the world healing a little bit,” Spehar said. “And I hope that we’ll never be in such peril again.”
Crawford summed up by saying she hopes the enthusiasm and inclusivity shown at the convention will continue through the election and beyond. “If Beyoncé cares, if Oprah cares, if Stevie Wonder cares, people will say, ‘I care,'” she said.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
