Dozens of digital creators have been briefed on the State of the Union ahead of President Joe Biden's speech on Thursday, the administration confirmed to WIRED.
Approximately 70 creators, digital publishers and influencers will meet with the administration and spread the White House's message across social media. Some were briefed on Wednesday, and more are expected to attend Thursday's event. The creators have an audience of over 100 million followers across platforms. The administration hopes to leverage its large digital audience to reach voters who might not tune in to Thursday's speech.
Topics such as student debt relief and the president's economic policy were discussed with creators on Wednesday, Johnny Palmadessa, a creator and Democratic digital strategist who was also present, told WIRED. Other influencers were also at Wednesday's briefing, including Keith Edwards and @emilyinyourphone.
“This event was a unique opportunity to meet digital leaders who have been active on various platforms over the past four years,” said Palmadessa. “I was inspired by meeting face-to-face with other activists, strategists, and influencers.”
Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with creators and digital publishers Thursday afternoon at the first-ever Influencer Luncheon. The White House press secretary said the event complements the president's traditional State of the Union luncheon with television media.
The White House has worked together over the past few years to build relationships with popular influencers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In 2022, about 30 TikTok creators met with the administration via Zoom and were briefed on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since then, they have played an important role in spreading the president's message through non-traditional venues. Last December, the White House Office of Digital Strategy hosted more than 400 attendees at its influencer Christmas party.
Biden's re-election campaign is also stepping up its digital operations. The campaign first joined TikTok in January, fending off criticism that TikTok could be used by the Chinese government to spy on Americans. Prior to the account launch, the campaign maintained a presence on the app through a network of influencers. On Sunday, WIRED reported that the team had hired four new employees, including two digital persuasion operatives. It will also be the first time the State of the Union address will be officially livestreamed on the president's @POTUS Instagram account.
Rob Flaherty, deputy campaign manager for the Biden campaign, concluded by saying, “We are entering a new phase of the campaign, and people are paying attention. We need to make sure we reach people in as many places as possible.'' I want to,” he told WIRED. Month.