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Democrats are posting weightlifting videos to give their midterm campaigns a lift | CNN Politics

Democrats Embrace Weightlifting Videos as a New Political Power Move

Washington (CNN) — In the high-stakes arena of American politics, where image and symbolism often outweigh policy details, a surprising trend has emerged among Democrats: weightlifting videos. What started as casual social media posts has evolved into a calculated strategy to project strength, vitality, and relatability, particularly in an era where perceptions of masculinity and physical prowess are increasingly weaponized in partisan battles. As the 2026 midterms loom on the horizon, Democratic figures from governors to congressional candidates are hitting the gym—and the record button—to connect with voters in ways that transcend traditional campaigning.

The phenomenon gained traction earlier this year when Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a former high school football coach and National Guard veteran, shared a video of himself deadlifting 300 pounds during a routine workout. Captioned simply "Staying strong for Minnesota," the clip went viral, amassing over 2 million views on TikTok and Instagram within days. Walz, who has positioned himself as a folksy, Midwestern everyman, used the video not just to showcase his fitness but to tie it to broader themes of resilience and hard work. "In politics, like in the weight room, you don't quit when it gets heavy," Walz said in a follow-up post, drawing parallels between lifting iron and lifting communities out of economic hardship.

This isn't an isolated incident. Across the Democratic spectrum, politicians are incorporating gym sessions into their digital arsenals. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, known for his no-nonsense style and recovery from a stroke, posted a series of videos bench-pressing weights while discussing mental health and perseverance. "Strength isn't just about muscles; it's about getting back up," Fetterman narrated in one clip, which resonated deeply with younger voters grappling with post-pandemic anxiety. Even rising stars like Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin have joined in, sharing footage of her CrossFit routines to emphasize discipline and readiness for leadership roles.

The roots of this trend can be traced back to the cultural shifts amplified during the Trump era, where physicality became a proxy for political dominance. Former President Donald Trump often boasted about his golf game and endurance, while figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have leaned into a tough-guy image through public displays of athleticism. Democrats, long criticized by conservatives for being "soft" or out of touch with working-class values, appear to be flipping the script. Political strategists argue that these videos are a direct response to the Republican emphasis on hyper-masculinity, as seen in events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship endorsements or hunting photo ops.

"Democrats are reclaiming the narrative of strength," says Dr. Elena Ramirez, a political communications expert at Georgetown University. "In a visual media landscape, showing physical power humanizes politicians and counters stereotypes. It's not just about biceps; it's about demonstrating the grit needed to tackle issues like climate change or economic inequality." Ramirez points to data from social media analytics firms showing that fitness-related posts from Democrats garner higher engagement rates among independents and young men, demographics that have drifted toward the GOP in recent cycles.

One of the most compelling examples comes from California, where Representative Adam Schiff, eyeing a potential gubernatorial run, released a montage of his weightlifting regimen set to upbeat rock music. The video intercuts gym scenes with clips of Schiff grilling witnesses during congressional hearings, creating a metaphor for "lifting the weight of accountability." Critics on the right dismissed it as performative, with one conservative commentator quipping on Fox News, "Democrats are finally hitting the gym instead of the snooze button on border security." But supporters hailed it as authentic, noting Schiff's long-standing commitment to personal fitness amid a demanding schedule.

The strategy extends beyond individual politicians to party-wide initiatives. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has quietly encouraged candidates to incorporate wellness content into their campaigns, partnering with influencers and trainers to produce polished videos. In battleground states like Arizona and Georgia, local Democratic hopefuls are organizing "Lift for Change" events—community workouts where participants discuss policy while pumping iron. These gatherings aim to build grassroots support by blending physical activity with political discourse, fostering a sense of camaraderie that's often missing in traditional town halls.

Not everyone is convinced of the approach's efficacy. Some progressive voices within the party worry that emphasizing physical strength reinforces outdated gender norms and distracts from substantive issues. "We should be talking about healthcare access, not how much someone can squat," argues activist Maria Gonzalez of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. Gonzalez cites concerns that such videos could alienate women and non-binary voters who feel excluded from the macho undertones. Moreover, there's the risk of backlash if a video backfires—recall the infamous 2004 windsurfing photos of John Kerry, which Republicans used to paint him as elitist.

Despite these critiques, the weightlifting video trend shows no signs of slowing. Vice President Kamala Harris, while not posting her own gym clips, has subtly endorsed the movement by appearing in joint workouts with staffers, emphasizing team-building and endurance. In a recent interview, Harris reflected on the broader implications: "Politics is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying fit reminds us of the discipline required to fight for justice every day."

Analysts predict this could influence the 2028 presidential race, where candidates like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg or New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy might amplify their fitness personas. Buttigieg, an avid runner, has already shared running vlogs, but insiders suggest he may expand to strength training to appeal to blue-collar voters in the Rust Belt.

The cultural impact extends beyond politics. Fitness experts note a surge in gym memberships among politically engaged millennials, inspired by these viral moments. Brands like Peloton and Nike have capitalized on the buzz, sponsoring Democratic events and creating custom workout playlists featuring speeches from party leaders.

At its core, the Democrats' embrace of weightlifting videos represents a savvy adaptation to the attention economy. In an age where algorithms favor dynamic, shareable content, these clips cut through the noise, humanizing politicians and making abstract concepts tangible. Whether it's Walz heaving barbells or Fetterman conquering the bench press, the message is clear: strength in body mirrors strength in leadership.

Yet, as with any trend, sustainability is key. Will voters tire of the gym flexes, or will this become a staple of modern campaigning? Only time—and perhaps a few more reps—will tell. For now, Democrats are lifting not just weights, but their electoral prospects, one video at a time.

This shift also highlights a broader evolution in how politicians engage with social media. Gone are the days of stiff press releases; today's leaders must perform authenticity in bite-sized formats. Weightlifting videos offer a perfect blend of vulnerability and power—sweaty brows and strained muscles reveal the human side, while successful lifts symbolize triumph over adversity.

Take, for instance, the case of Texas congressional candidate Jasmine Crockett, who turned her weightlifting journey into a metaphor for overcoming systemic barriers. In a series of posts, Crockett documented her progress from novice lifter to handling impressive loads, paralleling it with her fight against voter suppression. "Every plate I add is like another obstacle we've smashed," she declared, earning praise from civil rights groups.

Even in red states, Democrats are adapting the tactic. In Ohio, where economic woes dominate, state legislator Emilia Sykes shares videos of her powerlifting sessions while discussing job creation. "Building muscle is like building an economy—one step at a time," she says, appealing to union workers and factory employees who value physical labor.

Critics from the GOP continue to mock the efforts, with figures like Senator Ted Cruz tweeting, "Democrats are too busy spotting each other in the gym to spot the real threats to America." But such jabs may backfire, as they underscore the very stereotypes Democrats are dismantling.

In academia, scholars are studying this phenomenon as a case of "embodied politics," where physical actions convey ideological messages. Professor Mark Thompson of Harvard's Kennedy School notes, "These videos are performative acts that resonate because they tap into American ideals of self-reliance and fortitude, rebranded for a progressive audience."

As the trend proliferates, ethical questions arise. Are these videos genuine, or staged productions? Most politicians insist on authenticity, but production values—professional lighting, edited montages—suggest otherwise. Transparency advocates call for disclaimers, but in the Wild West of social media, such pleas often go unheeded.

Ultimately, the weightlifting video craze underscores a pivotal moment in Democratic strategy: embracing populism through personal narrative. By showcasing their physical regimens, these leaders aren't just flexing muscles—they're flexing their adaptability in a polarized landscape. Whether this lifts them to victory remains to be seen, but it's clear the bar has been raised.

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