Wesleyan College senior Ethan Norton published an op-ed in The Washington Post criticizing Democrats for their ineffective outreach to young voters. Highlighting his perspective as a media and film student, Norton argued that the party’s messaging is outdated and unengaging, which contributes to their struggles in capturing Gen Z’s attention. He pointed out that efforts like Kamala Harris’ campaign losses and unappealing digital content are failing to resonate with younger audiences.

Norton emphasized the need for Democrats to overhaul their digital strategies, citing examples such as Senator Chuck Schumer's static website and unurgent headlines as symbols of outdated communication methods. He contrasted this with more effective online engagement by politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who utilize multimedia content that appeals to younger viewers. Norton also noted that while Democrats continue to rely on traditional, inert content, Republicans seem to hold their attention despite ideological differences, mainly due to more dynamic and relatable messaging efforts.