In the whimsical world of politics, a curious trend has emerged—Democratic politicians sharing their workout routines online. This time, it’s Congressman Eric Swalwell at the helm, pumping iron and, unfortunately, not quite making an impressive splash. His latest attempt to connect with voters involved a bench press video that’s taken the internet by storm, but probably not for the reasons he hoped. When you’re trying to win over voters, especially the strong-jawed, iron-pumping type, lifting a mere 135 pounds might not scream Hercules.
Critics on every corner of the internet had their go at the video, with users reminiscing about lifting that weight back in middle school gym class. Folks are wondering if Swalwell’s attempt to flex (literally) might instead flex the perceived lack of testosterone in the modern Democratic male. The congressman, known for his eyebrow-raising antics, seems to have achieved the opposite of his aim, as viewers laughed more than they were inspired. As Congressman Swalwell inadvertently reminds his audience, you shouldn’t skip leg day, but maybe not post arm day if it’s not up to snuff.
This isn’t the first time Swalwell has found himself in the social media spotlight for less-than-heroic deeds. This latest attempted muscle flex has instead become a meme factory. As gifs and jokes fly about on the internet, one might wonder if his social media team sees these trends coming or if they, too, are left shaking their heads. Every gaffe leads to questions about whether these efforts to gain support are born of genuine outreach or misreading the room.
In the land where actions speak louder than words, particularly when those words are ‘pumping iron,’ it seems Swalwell’s push to be seen as a relatable and robust figure missed the mark like a lazy dart. Perhaps instead of trying to lift his political fortunes through weightlifting prowess, he should consider policies and actions that resonate more with everyday concerns, or at least pick weights that give him a fighting chance to pull off that Herculean image he’s eager to project. After all, appearances only go so far, especially when they’re not bench-pressed with charisma.
All in all, if you’re a fan of political theater, you could hardly find a better show than these noble efforts that boomerang back with comedic results. And maybe there’s a lesson here for those on political workout plans: before you film, add more plates, or perhaps rethink the exercise altogether. No true social media strategist would let something like that slip through their fingers, unless, of course, the aim was less about fitness and more about keeping everyone laughing.
