Spencer Pratt has wrapped up his campaign for Los Angeles mayor, yet he indicates that the competition against the last two candidates is just getting started.
We expected the highlight would be an awkward debate between Nitya Raman and current Mayor Karen Bass concerning shade trees.
“This isn’t really a Republican or Democratic matter. … It’s about common sense and quality of life.”
Pratt doesn’t need much to make his mark and attract the attention of two Democratic senators. He’s notably leveraged the power of memes since declaring his candidacy, largely due to behind-the-scenes help from digital media expert Nick Ward.
“Weekend” Warrior
In 2020, Ward had a bright idea related to the Trump-Biden election, but he doubted Hollywood would support it.
So, he decided to go the DIY route.
Ward’s “Weekend at Biden’s House” became an instant hit, drawing millions of views with its humorous take on the 1989 film “Weekend at Bernie’s,” featuring Biden’s aides trying to convince the public he’s still vibrant.
Last month, Ward took inspiration from a highly contentious matchup: the tight Los Angeles mayoral race involving Mayor Bass and reality star-turned-candidate Spencer Pratt.
His parody, reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s iconic 1984 Apple ad, depicts “Big Sister” Mayor Bass warning citizens against believing their own eyes and ears.
“There’s no need for a change in leadership. Our city is doing great,” proclaims the exaggerated city bus. “There are no people living on the streets. No fire damage. No crime.”
Ward noted that “no one buys” Bass’s attempt to manipulate the truth throughout her re-election efforts.
He stated that Californians realize “it’s not normal to ignore obvious threats.”
Hammer Time
The video features a renowned female athlete hurling a hammer into the projection, symbolizing the frustration of many in Los Angeles. It’s, well, resonant for moms, for those who just want safety, Ward explained.
The clip swiftly gained traction after actor James Woods shared it, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views alongside shares from Ward’s account, @Weekend_Bidens.
“The cat’s out of the bag. … You can’t really control it,” Ward remarked regarding the clip’s quick spread. “I was walking around South Beach when it suddenly hit 30,000 or 50,000 views.”
Ward produced the video independently of Pratt’s campaign and hasn’t disclosed his intentions.
“It’s not strictly a partisan issue. … It’s about common sense and well-being,” he told Blaze Media Lifestyle while discussing his backing of Pratt.
Related: Jimmy Kimmel mocks Spencer Pratt in a homeless-themed skit.
Dimitrios Cambris/Randy Holmes/Getty Images
Truth in Comedy
Though Ward has made a name as a political satirist, he originally developed his improv skills as a student. Now, he’s tapping into the power of viral content and AI for those who dare to challenge mainstream media narratives.
He recognizes the humor that late-night comedians have been trying to craft for a while, but believes they are somewhat at a disadvantage.
“I think one problem on the left is that it’s just not all that interesting,” he mused. “Comedy should reflect the truth. … They aren’t doing that.”
“Politicians like Gavin Newsom may try to be funny, but it often goes awry,” he added.
Most mainstream comedy platforms lean left, which opens doors for creators like him.
“This dynamic somewhat stifles supply. There’s a significant demand,” he indicated.
The best satire, he believes, discusses things that aren’t on the public agenda and touches on sensitive matters. That’s why he didn’t need to spend his own money promoting the latest clip; it went viral on its own.
His viral success seems to be a formula understood by others for years.
“It’s important to have comedic leadership where culture prevails over politics,” he noted, suggesting there’s plenty to laugh about in California these days.
AI Writer
Ward began producing viral video content in 2020, though he didn’t initially grasp the potential of AI. He worked with a skilled visual effects team before harnessing tools like ChatGPT or Grok.
“I was pretty exasperated by stock images and various limitations,” he said. However, “AI now allows you to manage the entire editing phase with precision.”
Still, there are challenges with this tech. He remarks that AI-produced video quality can deteriorate over time, necessitating shorter segments.
“If you tweak one element, [the visible character] will say, ‘I have tips and tricks,'” he said, adding, “The shorter, the better.”
Ward has been open about his political stance, yet he hopes his video serves a greater purpose beyond criticizing Bass’s initiative.
“I aim to foster discussions among people who otherwise might not communicate or listen,” he said of his clips. “It’s a chance to reinvigorate dialogue.”
