Democrat’s Digital Wins During Trump’s First 100 Days and a New Podcast Episode with the ACLU
Welcome to People First's Influencer Impact, your guide to creators and social media driving positive change.
Welcome to Influencer Impact’s Third Edition!
People First is back with our behind-the-scenes look at creators and social impact from our team. Here's what you'll find in the May newsletter:
We’ve found the digital moments that broke through for Democrats during Trump’s first 100 days.
The ACLU joins us for episode 4 of our Influencer Impact podcast.
Pro Tip: Respond to comments on your influencer content!
🏆 If you’re attending The Pollie Awards in Denver at the end of May, let us know! Nicole and Ryan will be there representing People First and picking up a trophy or two.
Email Nicole to set up a time to connect in real life.
The Digital Moments That Broke Through for Democrats in Trump’s First 100 Days
After weeks of digital dormancy, Democrats finally found their footing online in Trump's first 100 days, though not without a few mixed signals. A series of breakout moments, from viral speeches to state-level victories, reignited progressive engagement and challenged the MAGA media machine. But while these spikes in activity were powerful, they also revealed the party’s ongoing struggle: capturing sustained momentum and unifying a digital coalition with staying power.
The clearest win came in Wisconsin, where Judge Susan Crawford’s Supreme Court victory became a galvanizing symbol of progressive resistance. Framed as a stand against MAGA money and billionaire meddling, the election saw unusually high online enthusiasm with posts celebrating a rare grassroots triumph over corporate influence. Similarly, Senator Cory Booker’s viral TikTok speech, garnering over 350 million likes, offered a glimpse of what modern Democratic messaging could look like when it taps into platforms, not press conferences.
Other bright spots included Bernie Sanders’ Coachella appearance, widely praised as a youth-focused call to action on climate and economic justice, and the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which drew massive crowds and was often cited as a blueprint for energizing progressives. Senator Chris Van Hollen also drew praise online for his high-profile visit to El Salvador, where he was seen as standing up to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, a reminder that international advocacy can still cut through the noise when grounded in values and visibility.
What’s missing is clear: a central figure or message uniting these digital sparks into a fire. The data reflects a fragmented but passionate audience of social justice advocates, pro-Palestinian voices, LGBTQ+ communities, and more who are eager for direction. Until then, Democrats will continue to win moments, but fail to build a sustained narrative.
Sometimes the Best Digital Strategy Isn’t Digital
By Ryan Long, Digital Media Manager
Bernie Sanders’ surprise cameo at Coachella was a masterclass in digital organizing in the real world. A 3 and a half minute clip of his remarks on the Los Angeles Times’ TikTok account has already surpassed 17 million views and 3 million likes, tapping into TikTok’s appetite for longer-form, narrative-driven content. Sanders spoke directly to Gen Z, reminding them that “the future of America depends on your generation,” and transformed Coachella into a rallying point for progressive engagement. This stood out as a key moment in the “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” with 129,619 mentions across social media.
Dozens of user-generated videos across TikTok and Instagram, shared by news outlets, influencers, and everyday attendees, have collectively racked up tens of millions of additional views. Many of these clips now boast view counts in the millions, some surpassing 1 million, others topping 2 million and even 3 million, fueling an organic amplification that keeps the conversation, and Sanders’ message, trending long after the festival’s finale.
Whether you like his policies or not, he knows people feel alone during this administration and he is making people feel heard. Digital strategy isn’t all about posting. When done strategically, showing up in-person is the best digital strategy money can buy.
Influencer Impact - Episode 4 | Standing Up: Social Media’s Role in Defending Trans Rights
In this month’s episode of Influencer Impact, we’re diving into the digital frontlines of trans advocacy with two powerhouse voices from the ACLU: Justin Kipp, Artist & Influencer Engagement Strategist, and Gillian Branstetter, Communications Strategist for the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project. From the viral potential of creator-led campaigns to the stakes of the U.S. v. Skrmetti case, we explore how social media can be a lifeline, and a battleground, for trans rights. Whether you’re an advocate, an ally, or a creator looking to speak out, this conversation is a must-listen.
Listen now, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Be Social - Respond to Comments on Your Influencer Content
Brands and organizations should actively engage with comments on influencer-sponsored content because each comment represents a potential target expressing interest in their product, service, or cause.
As discussed in Jack Appleby's Future Social newsletter, these comments are "warm leads", or individuals who have paused their scrolling to interact, indicating a level of intent that brands can nurture through direct engagement. Responding to these comments not only builds trust but also enhances the overall performance of the post by increasing engagement metrics, which can lead to better algorithmic favor and visibility.
Engaging with comments also demonstrates a brand's commitment to its community, signaling that it values feedback and cares about the community's inquiries. This proactive approach can differentiate a brand in a crowded digital marketplace, fostering a sense of authenticity and reliability. By integrating comment engagement into their influencer marketing strategies, brands can create a more interactive and responsive presence, ultimately strengthening their relationships with both influencers and their target audience.
Thanks to Civic Shout for putting The Month in Digital on their list of newsletters that are "great resources for digital staff at progressive organizations."
