Podcast Hosts’ Critique of Jasmine Crockett’s Campaign Sparks Social Media Backlash
A recent episode of the popular podcast Las Culturistas, hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, has stirred controversy after the duo advised listeners against donating to Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign. The comments, made during the podcast’s “I Don’t Think So, Honey” segment, quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms, raising questions about political strategy, representation, and the future of the Democratic Party.
Yang and Rogers, known for their candid and often unfiltered discussions on culture and politics, shifted their focus to the Democratic Party’s prospects in upcoming elections. Reflecting on their past political endorsements, Yang expressed regret over his strong support for Hillary Clinton in 2016, while Rogers defended his stance, emphasizing the importance of defeating Donald Trump amid what he described as “misogynistic” behavior from some Bernie Sanders supporters.
However, the conversation took a sharp turn when Rogers questioned the electability of California Governor Gavin Newsom for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, stating, “Any time a politician is making it too obviously about themselves, I’m already done.” He then explicitly advised listeners not to contribute financially to Crockett’s campaign, warning, “Do not do it. Don’t do it, you’re going to waste your money.” Yang quickly echoed this sentiment.
Despite clarifying that he harbors no personal animosity toward Crockett, Rogers argued that Democrats might need candidates who are less “defined” in voters’ minds to succeed in states like Texas and on a national stage. He contrasted Crockett with James Talarico, another Democratic candidate for the same Senate seat, describing Talarico as “a rising Democratic politician from some place like Texas who is, yes, speaking a little bit to the middle, but at least he’s someone we can’t define already.” Rogers suggested that both Newsom and Crockett are too well-known or “defined” to appeal broadly.
The remarks sparked immediate backlash online. Critics pointed out that Texas has the largest Black population in the country and the most registered Black voters, emphasizing Crockett’s grassroots efforts and national support for other candidates during the 2024 election cycle. Social media users questioned the hosts’ understanding of Texas politics, noting that neither Yang nor Rogers resides in the state, and accused them of dismissing the critical role Black women and men have played in advancing civil rights and political representation.
One commenter highlighted the irony of seeking a “less defined” candidate, recalling the 2016 election where a similar approach arguably contributed to Donald Trump’s victory. Others drew parallels to the skepticism Kamala Harris faced before becoming Vice President, cautioning against underestimating candidates who may initially seem polarizing.
Jasmine Crockett, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has gained recognition for her advocacy on criminal justice reform and voting rights. Her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas is viewed by many as a significant effort to shift the traditionally conservative state’s political landscape. The Federal Election Commission provides detailed records of campaign fundraising and expenditures, underscoring the importance of grassroots support in competitive races.
This episode of Las Culturistas illustrates the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about candidate viability, identity politics, and the best path forward to regain and maintain power nationally. As Texas continues to evolve demographically and politically, the conversation around who can effectively represent its diverse electorate remains a focal point.
For those interested, the full segment featuring Yang and Rogers’ discussion can be viewed starting at the 1:37 mark on their official YouTube channel. Meanwhile, the broader implications of their comments continue to unfold across political and social media landscapes, reflecting the complexities of modern American electoral politics.
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