In the wake of major losses with male voters in the 2024 election, Democrats are turning to what they hope is a fix: a $20 million research initiative titled “Speaking with American Men”—or “SAM” for short. But the reaction from the public? Scorn, laughter, and a collective eye-roll.
Fox News Digital spoke to everyday Americans near Atlanta to gauge their reaction to the pricey study. The overwhelming sentiment was simple: this is a ridiculous waste of money. Patrice from Atlanta summed it up bluntly: “I think it’s dumb.” Others echoed her skepticism, with Miriam adding, “I think there’s better places to put that money,” and Miguel from Colorado flatly stating, “They’re just going to flush our money down the toilet.”
Even those who see some value in discussing men’s issues found the approach tone-deaf. “If they can figure out what a man is first, that’d be pretty sick,” Ethan from Georgia said sarcastically, referencing the left’s recent struggles with gender definitions. “But I don’t think that’s gonna happen.”
Dave from Tennessee doubted Democrats would learn anything from the initiative. “I would say they’re not going to learn much.” Aaron from Dallas, Georgia, asked, “What do they consider to be men?”
In fact, one of the funnier moments came when participants were asked to name the “manliest” Democrat they could think of. Most were stumped. One answer? Andrew Jackson—a former president from the 1800s. Others jokingly offered Barack Obama or said, “I can’t think of any to be honest.”
According to The New York Times, the SAM study aims to analyze the “syntax, language, and content” that appeals to male voters—especially young ones—through digital platforms like video games. Democrats believe the study could help reverse their sagging numbers with men after Trump made significant gains in 2024.
And those gains were historic. A Fox News voter survey showed men aged 18 to 44 broke 53% for Trump versus 45% for Kamala Harris. The Associated Press reported that over half of male voters under 30 supported Trump, including about one-third of Black men and nearly 50% of young Latino men. Trump improved his 2020 support among young minority men by roughly 20 points.
While Democrats claim the study is meant to open a dialogue with men, many Americans aren’t convinced. “There’s things wrong with everyone,” Evelyn from Tennessee said. Others noted that while some men might need guidance, the federal government isn’t the one to deliver it. “What are they going to do?” one respondent asked, “Make TikToks about masculinity?”
With just over 100 days until the next election and their credibility already battered, the Democratic Party’s move is being mocked as out-of-touch. Critics say the party should focus on jobs, security, and freedom instead of spending millions on abstract academic inquiries into manhood.
The message from voters is clear: if Democrats want to win back men, they might try listening instead of lecturing—and save taxpayers the $20 million in the process.
