Political Fatigue After Election Wears Off: signs of Liberal Resurgence?

Political Fatigue After Election Wears Off: signs of Liberal Resurgence?

A Post-Election Mood

The November evening, a year ago, was foggy. When I turned on the TV, my mind swarmed with thoughts, mostly the end of a relationship. I watched the numbers roll in as the election results came in, but by 10pm, I had enough. Exhausted and defeated, I climbed into bed, knowing the headlines the next day would be about Donald Trump's comeback.

I figured watching Trump get elected once before would've prepared me better for this moment. But instead of filling me with conviction and determination, I was ready to detach, especially with the emotional weight of the recent change in my personal life weighing me down. My brain whispered, Retreat. Self-preserve for now.

Connecting with Chris Black

In the months that followed, I found my drive toward activism mysteriously absent. Others shared similar feelings. I'm drained, they said. What can we even do? It seemed like the other side wanted exactly this attitude, our disconnection and stagnation.

Adam Met is the bassist for the multi-platinum band AJR, a professor at Columbia, and the co-founder of Planet Reimagined – a nonprofit tackling the global climate crisis through bipartisan initiatives. He also recently authored "Amplify," diving into how we build communities and connections to engage more effectively in politics. I reached out to him during a significant shift in our political landscape – the fracturing of Trump and Musk, the ongoing LA immigration protests. I wanted to know how to shake off the lethargy and get re-engaged.

GQ: After preparing, I found myself surprisingly anxious. Since November 5th, I consciously avoided discussing politics too much. I'd adopted a mindset of Protect your peace.Adam Met: I think many people on the Democratic side of politics devoted their energy to something that was immensely disappointing. Frustration and exhaustion drove them to retreat into their communities, seeking inner peace – this is exactly what the other side wants. They want us divided and isolated. Yes, introspection and self-care are important, but it's also essential to remember that we didn't try everything during the last election cycle.

In what context? Individually? We relied on the Democratic establishment instead of our own skills, which we possess as musicians, actors, or media professionals who know how to reach people. We didn't use our tools effectively. We simply followed others' directions, expecting them to guide us. When we don't utilize the strategies we know work, we fail and feel overwhelmed.

So, now's the time to find ourselves again, to rediscover our confidence. Once we do, we'll be stronger and bigger than ever.

"Amplify" Eisenhower's Five EssentialsMet's book highlights eight crucial components for every campaign or movement. The fifth is finding ways to engage audiences. Most fail or falter in this area. Why is it so difficult? I can't help but think of 2008 and Obama – we had a blueprint for engagement, a clear path to follow. What went wrong? How did we lose it?

The Evolution of EngagementThe Obama era emerged when social media was a streamlined platform. But in the last eight years – and more specifically, the last four – it's transformed into a fragmented network. Before COVID, everyone on TikTok saw the same viral content, just like they would a popular 1950s TV show. However, now, your TikTok feed is unique to you, a far cry from the cohesion we had in the past. The difference between Obama's era and the current political landscape can be attributed to this transformation in social media.

1. Adam Met, in his book "Amplify," emphasizes the importance of engaging audiences, noting that many campaigns or movements fail in this area.
2. In the context of individual efforts, Met suggests that people, particularly those in the arts and media, relied too heavily on the Democratic establishment instead of utilizing their unique skills and strategies effectively during the last election cycle.
3. Met further discusses the transformation of social media, from a streamlined platform during the Obama era to a fragmented network currently, as a significant factor contributing to the difference in political engagement between that time and now.
4. In reflecting on the past and looking towards the future, Met encourages individuals to rediscover their confidence, embrace their unique skills, and engage more effectively in politics and other areas of general-news, mental-health, health-and-wellness, culture, and politics.

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