Democrats are scrambling to understand what went wrong with male voters in 2024—and one of their more controversial answers is a $20 million taxpayer-funded initiative to study them.
The project, titled “Speaking with American Men: A Strategic Plan” (or SAM), was revealed earlier this year and aims to analyze the “syntax, language, and content” that resonates with men online—particularly young male voters. The plan includes suggested outreach strategies such as placing pro-Democrat advertisements inside video games.
The announcement came as Democrats faced a post-election reckoning following President Donald Trump’s sweep of all seven battleground states and an overwhelming shift in support from male voters—especially younger ones. According to Fox News Voter Analysis, Trump carried 53% of men aged 18–44, compared to Kamala Harris’ 45%, and made notable gains among young Black and Latino men, up roughly 20 percentage points from his 2020 performance.
The SAM initiative has sparked ridicule among many Americans. Fox News Digital interviewed residents near Atlanta, Georgia, to get their reactions—and most were skeptical, dismissive, or flat-out confused.
“I think it’s dumb,” said Patrice from Atlanta.
“There’s better places to put that money,” added Miriam, also from Atlanta.
Miguel from Colorado was more direct: “They’re just going to flush our money down the toilet.”
Dave from Tennessee summed it up plainly: “They’re not going to learn much.”
Some questioned the party’s grasp on the very definition of manhood.
“What do they [Democrats] consider to be men?” asked Aaron from Dallas, Georgia.
“If they can figure out what a man is first, that’d be pretty sick, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen,” joked Ethan from Ringgold.
Others saw a larger conversation worth having—but not with a $20 million price tag.
“There’s things wrong with everyone,” said Evelyn from Tennessee.
“There’s maybe some conversation to be opened up about what American men need,” said Sarah from Woodstock, Georgia.
When asked who they considered the “manliest Democrat,” the pause was long and the responses sparse.
“I can’t think of any, to be honest,” said Miguel.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Evelyn admitted.
Patrice offered Barack Obama, while Ethan humorously responded, “Andrew Jackson.”
The timing of the SAM study also drew skepticism, as it was unveiled amid growing disarray in the Democratic Party. With just over 100 days until the election, Democrats were in the midst of replacing former President Biden as their nominee—a sign of deep political instability that critics say the party is trying to distract from by studying masculinity instead of reconnecting with voters.
The Associated Press reported that over half of men under 30 voted for Trump, including six in ten White male voters, one in three Black male voters, and about half of young Latino men—demographics once considered strongholds or targets for Democrats.
