Twigg & Jenkins Episode: White Dudes For Harris

grappling with the [_____] For Kamala organizing strategy, and reclaiming a liberal construct of masculinity

Hi all,

Sharing the most recent episode of Twigg & Jenkins. We talked to our longtime friends/colleagues Ross Morales Rocketto and Brad Bauman about their bold decision to host a White Dudes for Harris campaign call, and why it felt “bold” in the first place. Before the White Dudes call there had been Black Women and Black Men organizing calls that were hugely successful, and yet it felt different when the White guys wanted their own too… I’ve long been curious about the difference in social acceptability of organizing around identity between white folks and people of color, so this was a great opportunity to explore the pros and cons. I was genuinely fascinated to hear from Ross and Brad why they thought their call was an important signal to send to the rest of the political coalition on the left, that the White guys would support the Black, South Asian Woman.

Toward the end of the episode we also get into my pet fascination for this election cycle: the ways that men are reclaiming masculinity as a progressive, liberal value. There was a lot to discuss and unpack, and we didn’t get through it all. But as th

e election coverage is breathlessly fixated on the democratic party’s hemorrhaging of male voters, this conversation felt particularly informative and timely.

Subscribe to Twigg & Jenkins on Youtube and Spotify and follow us on IG @twiggjenkins. Show notes are below! Thanks so much for reading/watching! 12 days!

Exploring Race, Privilege, and Political Strategies: A Comprehensive Dialogue

In this comprehensive episode, we delve into the creation of 'White Dudes for Kamala' and the humorous underpinning of its conception. We explore the complexity of race relations, focusing on whiteness, privilege, and the often misguided conversations surrounding these topics. The discussion also highlights attempts to transform clinical poll data into emotionally resonant messages and the unexpected participation of renowned personalities in political events. The pervasive influence of right-wing media on young men and the role of economic anxieties in shaping political narratives is examined. We provide critical insights into political strategies, highlighting past missteps and the importance of engaging white male voters. Reflections on the Obama era, union endorsements, and the balance in societal movements toward masculinity and inclusivity are also covered. The episode emphasizes solidarity, strategic unity, and the necessity of fostering diverse and honest conversations about race and politics. Additionally, it recounts the importance of community engagement in the political process, concluding with hopeful tones for the future. Enjoy!

00:00 The Origin of 'White Dudes for Kamala'

01:01 Organizing the First Call

04:15 The Trepidation and Identity Politics

05:07 Reflecting on Past Political Experiences

12:08 The White Women for Kamala Call

24:27 The Right-Wing Media Influence

37:05 Discussing Political Campaigns and Community Engagement

37:44 The Importance of Inclusivity in Politics

38:36 Addressing the Binary Approach in Political Strategies

40:04 Challenges in Engaging White Male Voters

43:08 Reflecting on the Obama Era and Union Relations

44:45 The Role of Vibes in Political Messaging

53:12 Reclaiming Masculinity in Politics

58:19 Multiracial and Inclusive Political Movements

01:10:18 Encouraging Cross-Racial Interactions and Participation

01:16:27 Final Thoughts and Call to Action