Glass Houses: Running for Office in the Age of Social Media
The nightmare scenario has finally arrived. For years, Baby Boomer pundits and social commentators have lamented over the generational differences (read: flaws) of us Millennials. But now, we have surpassed their population numbers, and soon we’ll have to step up and start calling the shots.
As we grow into our role — wanted or not — as America’s political heavyweights, our engagement in the public discourse and legislative power has today produced more sinister attacks than half-baked op-eds of yore. Though we have been repeatedly criticized for not being involved enough in government, the moment one of our own entered a high-profile political race a new, but very predictable, smear tactic emerged — social media deep-dive exposés. These attacks seek to paint millennials as frivolous and unprepared, and they have the power to make or break the candidate in a very public way.
Jon Ossoff is a 30-year-old running for Congress in a special election this spring in Georgia. Though he’s a Democrat, the attacks against him have nothing to do with party affiliation; they’re a sneak-peek into how our social media upbringing will be weaponized against all our generations’ candidates.
Last week, the Congressional Leadership Fund made a $1.1 million ad buy in Georgia to run a commercial that highlights Mr. Ossoff’s college escapades from nearly a decade ago. These activities, which the Fund attempts to paint as disqualifying, include dressing up as Han Solo in a parody video, and participating in an all-male acapella group. Though it could be argued that people who participate in acapella groups are unfit for office, the only offensive material highlighted by the ad buy is the premise of the commercial itself. Should every millennial that acted silly or made mistakes in their youth be barred from public service? Are those currently in power absent of anything embarrassing in their past?
Though the attack ad against Mr. Ossoff was heralded by NPR as “a new era for millennials running for office,” it wasn’t the first time this line of attack was used against a millennial candidate — not even the first time this year. During the 2016 campaign of 26-year-old Stockton, California Mayor Michael Tubbs (D), his opponent doctored photos of him in a diaper. In 2014, 28-year old Paul Dietzel II (R) ran for the 6th Congressional District in Louisiana. A website emerged during the race citing that his youth automatically divested him of any family values. The trend even reaches as far back as 2010 when 28-year old Krystal Ball (D) threw her hat in for a Virginia Congressional seat. While she was running, an image of her emerged from an “xxx-mas theme” party when she was 22. These are but a few examples of aspiring young Democrats and Republicans trying to make their mark, only to be told they’re not ready.
How do we fight back? Mr. Ossoff might’ve provided a template for rebuttal. The day after the attack ad was posted online he uploaded his own video that used some of the same college footage, but with a spin: He leaned into his persona as a huge Star Wars fan that can sing, but it also highlighted that he’s principled in his progressive ideals. It’s a clever commercial that highlights the ludicrousness of the attack, while pivoting to what should really matter in a Congressional race — a candidate’s policies. What’s more, other millennials should take a cue that fighting fire with fire can dispel the attack. But we can’t go it alone — outside groups are the one that spurred this specific smear — so it’s time we made some of our own.
The barriers to political office are significant for millennials, which is why many groups have emerged to support young candidates from all ideologies. These organizations recruit, help finance, and lend political consultation to passionate millennials looking to serve. There are nonpartisan groups like the Millennial Action Project, progressive groups such as Run for Something, and a number of conservative Super PACs all working to support young candidates. New to the political game, the learning curve will be sharp for these backers as they learn to adapt to opposition from more established groups.
I believe these attacks on millennials will lessen once everyone running for office has the same social media footprint, but until then, the vanguard must be resilient. The Baby Boomers have whined for years that we’re an apathetic bunch, but now that our voices are being raised they’ll fight to hold onto the power they have. For all the millennials out there who want to serve their country by running for office, don’t be dissuaded by these assaults — be creative. No matter what political leanings you may have, lending your voice to public discourse will enrich our country. So get out there and vote, volunteer, and run — it’s our time to lead.
As a tax-exempt nonprofit organization governed by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Millennial Action Project (MAP) is generally prohibited from attempting to influence legislative bodies in regards to policy and legislation. It is important to note guest authors frequently take firm stances on issues and policy matters that are currently being debated by policymakers; when they do, however, they speak for themselves and not for MAP, its board, council or employees.
