The Democratic Party’s latest plan to win back young voters seems straight out of a failed sitcom script. They’re rolling out Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi—both in their 80s—to appeal to Gen Z, the same generation cleaning up after their empty promises. Political commentator Brilyn Hollyhand is right to call this baffling: why use grandmother-age leaders to talk to kids who grew up with TikTok and student debt? It’s like asking your grandpa to explain TikTok dances.
Young voters proved decisive in 2020 when 60% backed Biden, but that number’s slipping. The party panicked after midterm wins hinged on groups like Voters of Tomorrow, which with Uber rides and campus shuttles. Now, instead of letting fresh faces lead, Democrats cling to geriatric figures who use phrases like “blah blah blah” in speeches—they really said that. It’s a PR disaster.
Pelosi herself called herself a “voter of yesterday” at a Gen Z summit, then blamed young people for not taking her seriously. Harris, meanwhile, recycles climate and equity talking points that fell flat with Gen Z’s working-class roots. They sound like scolding librarians trying to rap. Meanwhile, progressive groups like Voters of Tomorrow actually —they ran on student debt, abortion rights, and gun control, mobilizing millions in 2022.
The Democrats’ biggest mistake? Ignoring their own young messengers. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z congressman, won by listening to his peers. But the party’s old guard marginalizes his generation, convinced their old formulas work. Newsflash: voting for “experience” doesn’t fix student loans or skyrocketing rent.
Republicans would never by sight of this—losing young voters in alarming numbers. Yet even conservatives recognize the GOP’s outreach is clunky. Democrats, however, seem oblivious to how their gerontocratic strategy alienates the very people they need. It’s akin to marketing a flip phone to iPhone addicts.
Harris and Pelosi’s involvement isn’t just ineffective—it’s counterproductive. Their careers predate COVID, social media, and the Great Recession. They can’t relate to kids worried about robots taking their jobs or climate-induced eco-anxiety. The more they speak, the more Gen Z tunes out.
The real lesson here is simple: . Leftist groups like Voters of Tomorrow boosted turnout by talking the talk, not just slapping “climate” on an agenda. Democrats should quit tokenizing young voters and instead let them shape the party—if they’re brave enough.
In the end, this geriatric reboot will backfire. Gen Z won’t be fooled by old politicians in AOC cosplay. The party’s desperate pivot to out-of-touch leaders proves one thing: they’d rather cling to power than listen. Conservatives should take notes—, win elections.
