Leftist group Vote Save America recently shared a video attempting to make Vice President Kamala Harris appeal to male voters with the slogan “They’re man enough to fight a bear, eat a carburetor, and elect a woman. How about you?” The organization, which describes its mission as mobilizing people into meaningful action on legislation, issues, and elections to advance progressive ideals, was born out of Crooked Media – home of Pod Save America.
The video in question is directed by Jacob Reed, formerly associated with Jimmy Kimmel Live! It features a handful of men staged in different backgrounds, making manly declarations such as “I’m man enough to enjoy a barrel-proof bourbon,” and “Man enough to deadlift 500 and braid the sh*t out of my daughter’s hair.” The men then proclaim they are man enough to support women in various capacities, whether it be those who want to control their bodies or use IVF. They end by declaring that they are “man enough to help [women] win.
Despite the director’s belief that this approach will resonate with male voters, the ad received substantial mockery on social media, with many describing it as “cringey. The video coincides with former President Barack Obama warning Kamala Harris supporters that there is not enough black voter support for her, especially among men.
Vote Save America’s effort to appeal to male voters through a humorous and somewhat absurd video represents an attempt to redefine masculinity in the context of progressive politics. However, the reaction to the ad suggests it may not be as successful as intended.