Brilyn Hollyhand, a young political commentator, shared some rather bold predictions about the Democrats’ future, likening them to the “undersea Titanic” by 2028. He believes that leaders like Jasmine Crockett, AOC, and Bernie Sanders aren’t really connecting with the younger generation—specifically Gen Z. In a recent interview, he suggested that this group finds their leadership uninspiring, pointing out that their approach is even more radical than figures like Kamala Harris, who faced criticism for being too extreme.
At just 18, Hollyhand is already the chairman of the RNC Youth Advisory Committee. He recently had a one-on-one conversation with Donald Trump in Alabama, where they discussed strategies to engage younger voters after the 2024 election. Hollyhand commented that while young voters had been primarily aligned with the Democrats, Trump’s outreach efforts, particularly during last year’s campaign, shifted the dynamic.
Though Hollyhand hasn’t graduated from high school quite yet, he was excited to meet Trump for the fifth time. They shared thoughts on how to maintain momentum with the younger audience, resembling the famous question from Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign: “Are you better than you were four years ago?” Hollyhand suggested modifying it to “Are you better than you were 100 days ago?” He believes the answer would likely be affirmative, citing cheaper gas and safer borders as improvements under Trump’s policies.
He explained that politicians these days should focus on direct dialogue with voters, especially through virtual means, drawing on historical methods like Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireplace chats. Hollyhand also hinted at a “secret weapon” for Trump’s strategy heading into the 2026 midterms—a focused list of accomplishments to showcase.
However, he didn’t hold back criticism of the Democrats, who he thinks are losing ground with younger voters by making extravagant promises like free college, while simultaneously invoking fear by comparing Republicans to Nazis or tyrannical figures. He argued that many in Gen Z see through these tactics, particularly the rhetoric from leaders like Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders.
Furthermore, he noted that the Democratic Party is undergoing a tumultuous period, grappling with issues like immigration, the economy, and identity politics, as they attempt to reshape their platform. Hollyhand believes that the Democrats are facing an uphill battle to regain the support they’ve lost, especially given the polarized nature of the current political landscape.
Despite the challenges for the Democrats, Hollyhand maintained that the meeting with Trump felt genuine and relaxed, contrasting sharply with media portrayals. The interaction left him optimistic about the potential to connect with younger demographics—an effort he hopes will drive better engagement on college campuses.
