Why Do Democrats Keep Posting Videos of Themselves Pumping Iron?

After a tough loss in 2024, the Democratic Party seems to be making progress by posting videos of themselves working out. In late September, Manny Rutinel, a Democrat running against Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado, posted a video of himself doing bicep curls to Black Sabbath's "War Pigs." A week earlier, Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed challenged JD Vance to a squat-off in Washington, DC.

Another example is Indiana secretary of state candidate Beau Bayh, who ran an ad bench-pressing while criticizing politicians as "weak." This trend of posting workout videos appears to be a part of Democrats' rebranding efforts. Some candidates, like El-Sayed, are known for their interest in fitness and use it as a way to connect with voters.

The videos often contrast Democrats' strength with conservative messaging, as seen in Rutinel's mockery of Pete Hegseth's poor form and Gavin Newsom's response to RFK Jr.'s workout video. However, there's a deeper message behind these workout videos. After the 2024 election, Democrats were perceived as "weak and woke," leading to a push to show strength and dispel misconceptions about the party.

By engaging in physical activities and showcasing their energy, Democrats aim to dispel the notion that they are "octogenarian shufflers" and demonstrate that they can stand up for themselves. This trend echoes previous campaign strategies, such as shooting videos to demonstrate independence from conservative stereotypes. As the 2024 election results show a desire for change in Democratic leadership, these workout videos may help the party turn things around.