If you’ve been keeping an eye on the media landscape lately, you’ve probably noticed the collective meltdown that’s happening over Donald Trump’s return to the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. This latest development has the legacy media and certain government officials absolutely beside themselves, and it’s all centered around Trump’s recent interview with Elon Musk on X Spaces.
So, what’s all the fuss about? Earlier this week, Trump made a splash by jumping back onto X, where he had been banned nearly four years ago. The timing couldn’t be more strategic, as Trump gears up for the 2024 presidential election. What’s really got the media buzzing, though, is the fact that this interview with Musk was essentially a free-form conversation, with no filters, fact-checkers, or traditional media gatekeepers involved. And that, folks, is what’s causing all the commotion.
The meltdowns have already begun and he’s not even really posting anything yet. pic.twitter.com/iX43U5tWJE
— The🐰FOO (@PolitiBunny) August 12, 2024
Axios reporter Sara Fischer appeared on CNN to express her concerns, essentially complaining about the idea of Trump having an “unfettered microphone.” It’s not just Fischer, though. The panic is widespread, with even a Washington Post reporter going as far as asking the Biden administration whether there was any way to stop the interview from happening, citing concerns about “misinformation.” This kind of reaction highlights just how deeply unsettled the legacy media is by the idea of Trump bypassing their channels and speaking directly to millions of followers.
And let’s talk about those numbers. According to reports, over 30 million people tuned in to hear Trump’s conversation with Musk. That’s a staggering figure, especially when you consider how hard the legacy media has worked to sideline Trump’s message. What’s more, this audience isn’t just the usual MAGA base or political insiders—it includes a significant number of undecided voters and people who generally avoid the mainstream media’s noise.
They can’t stand it … they can’t stand not being in charge. 😂 pic.twitter.com/nuoCsU6KFr
— The🐰FOO (@PolitiBunny) August 12, 2024
It’s not just the numbers that matter, though. The format of the conversation itself is a big deal. Instead of the usual combative interview style we’ve come to expect from the media, Trump was able to lay out his policies, discuss personal experiences like the assassination attempt on his life, and even define his opponents without being interrupted or misrepresented. This kind of platform is particularly appealing to a younger, male-dominated demographic that’s active online but largely ignored by traditional media outlets. These so-called “edgelord influencers” have massive followings and could represent an untapped voting bloc that the legacy media hasn’t even begun to understand.
Meanwhile, the media’s obsession with rebranding Kamala Harris and propping up Tim Walz seems out of touch with what’s actually capturing the public’s interest. While they’re busy trying to craft a narrative around Harris as a serious contender, they’re missing the fact that Trump is connecting with voters in a way that they can’t control or spin.
Trump:
-gets back on Twitter
-does interview with Elon
-puts out ad about the Mar-a-lago raidHe’s doubling down with his base. It gains him nothing with undecideds/ swing voters. Bizarre strategy 3 months out.
— Alyssa Farah Griffin (@Alyssafarah) August 12, 2024
What’s really fascinating here is how out of step the legacy media appears to be. While they’re quick to dismiss Trump’s strategy as “bizarre,” especially when it comes to undecided and swing voters, they’re overlooking the fact that traditional campaign tactics don’t always resonate with everyone. The people who are drawn to these more organic, unscripted conversations are exactly the kind of voters who might tune out during a typical debate but are intrigued by a more direct and personal approach.
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