David Hogg, the influential activist and organizer, has a message for the Democratic establishment: either listen up or face the consequences. Speaking at WIRED's Big Interview event in San Francisco, Hogg expressed his frustration with middle-of-the-road, corporate-backed Democrats who fail to understand the evolving landscape of the party.
Hogg believes that the Establishment candidates are out of touch with their generation, particularly Boomers who dominate Washington, DC. He argues that these leaders are "extremely pissed off" with each other and are more concerned with maintaining power than listening to their constituents.
The Democratic Party's future, according to Hogg, is about shifting towards a younger, more diverse leadership that truly represents the party's values. This means electing candidates who have integrity, can represent their constituents without special interests, and can be "outliers" rather than just carbon copies of existing politicians.
Hogg also criticized the unwillingness of Establishment candidates to be challenged in primaries, calling it a sign of entitlement and disrespect for voters' decisions. He advocates for a more competitive primary process, where candidates are held accountable for their actions and policies.
In a candid moment, Hogg shared his own personal struggles with receiving death threats and being driven out of his home after being targeted by swatters. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to the cause, hoping that future leaders will emerge from a more robust primary process.
For Hogg, it's not about personal ambition but rather about ensuring that the Democratic Party has a chance to make meaningful change. He wants to see candidates who are "ruthlessly competitive" and willing to shake up the status quo, rather than just being younger versions of the same old politics.
Hogg believes that the Establishment candidates are out of touch with their generation, particularly Boomers who dominate Washington, DC. He argues that these leaders are "extremely pissed off" with each other and are more concerned with maintaining power than listening to their constituents.
The Democratic Party's future, according to Hogg, is about shifting towards a younger, more diverse leadership that truly represents the party's values. This means electing candidates who have integrity, can represent their constituents without special interests, and can be "outliers" rather than just carbon copies of existing politicians.
Hogg also criticized the unwillingness of Establishment candidates to be challenged in primaries, calling it a sign of entitlement and disrespect for voters' decisions. He advocates for a more competitive primary process, where candidates are held accountable for their actions and policies.
In a candid moment, Hogg shared his own personal struggles with receiving death threats and being driven out of his home after being targeted by swatters. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to the cause, hoping that future leaders will emerge from a more robust primary process.
For Hogg, it's not about personal ambition but rather about ensuring that the Democratic Party has a chance to make meaningful change. He wants to see candidates who are "ruthlessly competitive" and willing to shake up the status quo, rather than just being younger versions of the same old politics.
. I mean, can't we expect more from our politicians? They're supposed to be representing us, not just each other 
. The fact that some leaders are too scared to listen to their constituents or get challenged in primaries is just mind-blowing 
. And the death threats and harassment he's gotten? That's just unacceptable 
. We need more people like David Hogg who aren't afraid to speak up and fight for what's right 
. The party needs a shake-up, and I hope these younger leaders can bring some fresh energy and ideas to the table 
.
. These Establishment Democrats are outta touch with reality, you know? They're more worried about keeping their power than listening to the people who voted for them 
. We need fresh faces and a new perspective in Washington, not just old guard politicians who think they already have everything figured out 
. And yeah, it's time for primaries to get more competitive too! Who wants some dude running on the ticket just 'cause he's young and looks like everyone else? 
We need people with integrity and a plan, not just some corporate shill trying to win over the masses 
. I mean, David Hogg is right on point - if you can't challenge yourself in primaries, then why even bother running? And it's not just about being young and diverse, it's about being willing to take risks and make real change 
Still, Hogg's got a point about needing more diverse leadership and candidates who aren't beholden to special interests... that would definitely make me feel like my vote is counting 
.
. I FEEL BAD FOR DAVID HOGG WHO'S BEEN THROUGH THOSE DEATH THREATS AND STUFF, BUT HE'S STILL FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT 
. You'd think in this day and age, we should be able to disagree without being so nasty to each other. I hope more people can learn from his example and actually try to have a constructive conversation about politics 
. As long as we're still fighting for what's right, then im all for it 
it's all about representation, right? we need ppl in power who actually care about the gen z'ers and millennials, not just older ppl who are stuck in their ways 
. but he keeps pushin forward, which is so inspiring 
It's not about being a rockstar or anything, it's just about making sure our voices are heard. I'm all for a more competitive primary process, that way we can weed out the fake ones and get some real change-makers in there. 
. David Hogg's message about needing fresh faces in leadership is definitely on point 
. I mean, who needs another middle-of-the-road politician just because they're younger and more social media savvy? 
Not me, that's for sure 
. But let's be real, most politicians are gonna do what their donors tell them to do 
.
. No more corporate-backed puppets or career politicians who only care about getting re-elected 
. We need people who will stand up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the establishment 
. But hey, at least he's still pushing forward 
.