Out of Scope Issue #176: Democrats’ Football Playbook
Plus: Russian influencers’ and this week’s VMAs
Happy Monday! As we welcome the NFL back into our homes and hearts, we reflect on the Democrats’ football-themed messaging this campaign cycle. But first…
📡ON OUR RADAR
Several U.S. influencers unknowingly shared Kremlin propaganda with their audiences on social media. This particular event occurred within the wider context of increased foreign meddling attempts in U.S. elections. However, it stands out due to its proximity to real people and distribution to large audiences.
Tyler Technologies, creators of digital solutions promising to streamline complex operations for local governments, is being criticized for causing myriad defects and delays in North Carolina. NC is the latest in a long line of disappointed Tyler clients—leaving the question of how to (finally) upgrade government technology decidedly still loading.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is set to undock from the International Space Station on Friday, returning to Earth without its crew due to unresolved propulsion issues. Though NASA and Boeing remain confident in the spacecraft's return capabilities, the impact on Boeing’s wallet—and already fragile reputation—could be considerable.
💡ON OUR MINDS: Democrats’ Football Playbook
Image: Bill Clark / Getty Images
Football is back, baby. As November’s election approaches, Democrats are looking to tap into the excitement around the game’s return as they make a play for the presidency.
While the sport is associated with some more conservative themes, like its strong presence in rural America and ties to the US military, its audience is not intrinsically partisan.
Democrats have leaned into VP-contender Tim Walz’s history as a high school football coach, ordaining him Coach Walz in public and entertaining the idea of him campaigning at Friday night football games in swing districts.
Other Dems are tapping in as well; Rep. Colin Allred, a former NFL linebacker, is running in Texas on the Cruz Curse—Ted Cruz’s haunting tendency to appear at Texas football games that eventually lead to loss.
It’s TBD if the Democrats can firmly establish themselves as the party of the NFL, but as sports grow in cultural relevance and popularity, it’s looking like it might just help them score at the ballot box this November.
🥊QUICK HITS:
In case you missed these reads:
The FBI is circling Eric Adams’ inner circle.
The VMAs will take place this week, complete with their usual offering of pop music controversy.
Princess Kate has completed chemotherapy.
Thanks for reading,
HL
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