Alas, the Democrats have gone back to their old playbook, hitching their hopes on ‘legacy’ next-generation politicians, a strategy as unimaginative as it is unoriginal. The recent Democratic National Convention (DNC) is a case in point. Jack Schlossberg, the 31-year-old great pretender, turned to his grandfather’s old tricks and presented himself as a significant figure at the politically-charged event in Chicago.
Schlossberg, under the guise of being a Vogue correspondent, provided those following his antics a peek into his time at the DNC. Between the 19th and the 22nd of August, he wasted no time in hobnobbing with ageing politicians such as former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro. As an extension of his faded family prestige, he was seen hanging out with the usual crowd of discredited Democrats.
By Tuesday, Schlossberg had unfolded his agenda, following the familiar Democratic pattern—sound bytes without substance. His speech, not surprisingly, revolved around the legacy of his late grandfather, John F Kennedy. There’s no doubt that JFK was a notable figure in history. But to exploit his memory to curry favour with the party faithful? It reveals the hollowness of the modern DNC’s strategy, not to mention a gross distortion of history for political gain.
Straining to forge some connection between JFK and the current bewildering political landscape, Schlossberg stated, ‘Tonight, JFK’s call to action is now ours to answer, because once again, the torch has been passed to a new generation — to a leader who shares my grandfather’s energy, vision, and optimism for our future.’ The leader he referred to was none other than Kamala Harris, the Vice President whose record in office currently leaves much to be desired. It’s a sobering moment, this comparison between a figure like JFK and the current administration.
As an offspring of the Kennedy lineage, which includes the 35th president of the United States, John F Kennedy, and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Schlossberg’s claim to fame is reminiscent of the Democrats’ unending fascination with political dynasties. It’s more about the pedigree than policy, it seems.
What’s more ironic is that Schlossberg’s rise to fame didn’t even originate from his political maneuvers. Instead, it was about keeping the teenagers entertained on TikTok, where he grew his followers to exceed 360,000! Is the DNC now a platform for aspiring Internet celebs, you wonder?
The reaction to Schlossberg’s appearance at the DNC offers reason for cynicism. His followers from TikTok greeted his appearance with anticipation, hoping to see him in a serious role. Sure, the Democrats are getting younger, but is this the calibre of future leaders we can expect?
In a strange twist, this newfound social media fame has allowed Schlossberg to fill the role of Vogue’s political correspondent for the 2024 election. Walking in his late uncle, John F Kennedy Jr’s, footsteps; although one must note that Junior’s legacy was built on more solid ground.
Schlossberg then tried to lend a semblance of earnestness to his ridiculous thrust into politics by stating, ‘As I’ve grown up, I’ve become more involved in the official obligations that come with being part of my family. I’ve met a lot of politicians and become all the more optimistic about our future by doing that work.’ Yet, we can’t help but question his actual understanding of politics.
Following his Tuesday spectacle, Schlossberg is now a two-time DNC speaker. His maiden speech was in 2020, with a topic typical for the Democratic party— light on policy, heavy on rhetoric, titled ‘We Lead from the Oval Office.’
Interestingly, Schlossberg wasn’t the only scion to grace the DNC stage. The grandson of former president Jimmy Carter, Jason Carter, also made an appearance. It’s starting to feel less like a convention and more like a family reunion of the so-called political elites.
In conclusion, the Democrats’ attempt to capitalize on legacy appeal shows a woeful neglect in offering substantive policy. This infusion of internet personalities and their preference for the glitz over governance reeks of a desperate grasp for relevance in an era they seem determined to misunderstand.
Whether or not Schlossberg, with his TikTok exploits and pedigree, will make any real difference in politics remains to be seen. But from the evidence at hand, it certainly feels like a circus—a sideshow—rather than a serious approach to addressing the issues America currently faces.