A group of Democratic congresswomen recently drew widespread attention with a TikTok video parodying video game characters, prompting discussions of its appropriateness amid national issues. In response, a CNN panel engaged in a heated conversation about the tactic, questioning its relevance given the current political climate.
The viral TikTok featured six Democratic Representatives who depicted themselves as video game fighters, sparking debate over its timing and purpose, Fox News reported.
A TikTok video featured Democratic figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jasmine Crockett, and Katherine Clark in a "choose your fighter" parody. Created by influencer Jessica Woo, who has seven million followers, the video blended entertainment with political profiles, portraying the congresswomen as characters from a fighting game.
On CNN, Abby Phillip examined the video’s impact, questioning its relevance amid national challenges. She asked Representative Marilyn Strickland about its purpose, to which Strickland defended it as a fun, engaging way to reach a broad audience through Woo’s platform.
Republican commentator Scott Jennings criticized the strategy, calling it a distraction from pressing policy issues. He pointed to the Democratic Party’s low approval ratings as proof of its ineffectiveness, arguing that a focus on policy over gimmicks would better serve voters.
In contrast, Strickland defended the video, acknowledging criticism but emphasizing its visibility. She noted that its discussion on national television proved its impact, though CNN’s Abby Phillip questioned its ultimate purpose, finding it unclear to many viewers.
Representative Strickland reiterated her support for trying innovative methods to engage different audiences and voters. She highlighted the influence of the creator, Jessica Woo, and pointed to the broad audience this kind of creativity could access.
Jennings, pushing back against Strickland's defense, criticized the party for focusing too much on novel communication methods instead of addressing substantive policy failings. He warned that such tactics, while drawing views, ultimately fall short of addressing critical issues facing the electorate.
While acknowledging the criticism, Strickland pivoted to a rebuttal concerning former President Donald Trump’s impact on the American populace. She challenged the narrative presented by Jennings by underscoring ongoing issues under Trump's influence, arguing for a broader perspective on accountability.
Jennings responded by drawing attention to current polling numbers, suggesting they highlighted the public's dissatisfaction with the Democratic approach. He advised focusing more on policy improvements rather than attempting to capitalize on social media trends.
In contrast to Jennings' assertions, Strickland maintained her stance on creative entrée into public discourse through platforms like TikTok. She argued that these efforts, while not without criticism, might still engage or resonate with untapped voter segments.
Blockquoted by Representative Marilyn Strickland:
"So, when you think about TikTok as a trend, we are trying to reach out to different people and different voters. And the woman who produced this is an influencer with seven million followers. So, this is lighthearted, it's fun. And every time you do something creative, you're going to get criticism, right? But I actually applaud them for trying to do something different. And here's the reality, seven million followers. Whether you think it's cringe or you like it, we're on CNN on a Thursday night and we're talking about it on national TV."
In conclusion, the TikTok video by Democratic Representatives, while intended as a creative outreach effort, has sparked a mix of praise and criticism. CNN's Abby Phillip questioned its necessity, while Marilyn Strickland defended its innovative approach to voter engagement. Republican commentator Scott Jennings criticized it as a distraction from real issues amid the party's low approval ratings. Jennings suggested a focus on policy rather than social media gimmicks, while Strickland hailed the video’s broad reach and its conversation-spurring nature.
