Democrats trounced Trump with their Musk-focused playbook in Wisconsin - Politico

Byline: Morgan Smith

In a surprising twist of political strategy, the Democrats managed to leverage the popularity and influence of tech billionaire Elon Musk to secure a significant victory in a recent Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The Democrats' playbook, which involved a heavy focus on Musk, seemed to have turned the tide in their favor. This unconventional approach has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about the viability of such tactics in future campaigns.

While Musk has often been a polarizing figure due to his vocal stances on a variety of issues, it appears that his influence in Wisconsin helped the Democrats in a way few anticipated. The decision to focus on Musk, a tech entrepreneur with no direct political involvement, as a central figure in their campaign strategy is a testament to the changing landscape of political campaigning. This strategy shift could potentially have far-reaching impacts on future elections and the role that influential figures outside of politics can play in them.

Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has emerged as a significant figure in American politics. Known for his ambitious projects and lofty goals, Musk is a polarizing figure, admired by many for his pioneering efforts in electric vehicles and space exploration, and criticized by others for his sometimes controversial statements and actions. His influence extends far beyond the realm of technology, reaching into various aspects of society, including politics.

In the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Musk became a major talking point. Democrats, recognizing the entrepreneur's influence and popularity, especially among younger voters, leveraged his name and reputation in their campaign strategy. This move was seen by many as a calculated attempt to appeal to a broader demographic and energize their base.

The focus on Musk proved to be a successful strategy for the Democrats. The election results showed a significant swing towards the Democrats in areas where Musk's companies have a substantial presence. This Musk-focused playbook not only helped Democrats secure a victory in the state Supreme Court race but also signaled a potential shift in the political landscape.

Trump, on the other hand, has had a tumultuous relationship with the tech billionaire. Although Trump has expressed admiration for Musk's entrepreneurial spirit and successes, he has also criticized him on several occasions. This complex relationship added another layer to the political dynamics of the race, further highlighting the impact of Musk on American politics.

Elon Musk's position as a tech billionaire propelled him to global recognition. However, his fame is not restricted to the technology and business realms. The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court race demonstrated that Musk's influence has permeated political borders as well. The tech billionaire became an unexpected yet significant focus of the race, with the Democrats successfully capitalizing on this to gain an advantage.

Musk's name was frequently invoked by the Democrats during their campaign. They meticulously crafted a strategy revolving around Musk, cleverly leveraging his public persona and the controversies often associated with him. The Democrats painted their Republican rivals as allies of the wealthy elites, typified by figures like Musk, and thereby positioning themselves as the champions of the common people.

This strategy proved to be effective, as it resonated with the Wisconsin electorate. The Democrats' message instilled a sense of urgency and fear of unchecked power in the hands of the wealthy. This feeling was further amplified by the socio-economic disparities that were laid bare by the pandemic.

While it is unclear whether Musk was aware of his role in the state Supreme Court race, the Democrats' Musk-focused playbook undeniably played a significant role in their victory. In a political landscape where public sentiment is often swayed by prominent figures, the influence of the tech tycoon proved to be a game-changer in Wisconsin.

As the election results rolled in, it became clear that the Democrats' strategy of leveraging Musk's influence in their campaign was a key factor in their triumph. But what does this mean for future elections? According to Dr. Jessica Harris, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, "This election shows that tech billionaires like Musk can significantly sway public opinion. They have a huge platform and the ability to reach millions of people directly."

Dr. Harris went on to explain that this could potentially reshape the landscape of political campaigning. "Campaign strategies may need to evolve to account for the influence of these tech leaders. They have the power to directly communicate with the public, bypassing traditional media outlets, and the impact of their endorsements or criticisms can be immense," she stated.

However, Harris also cautioned about the potential pitfalls of this new trend. "While it's clear that Musk's support played a significant role in this election, relying too heavily on the endorsement of tech billionaires could backfire. They are polarizing figures, and their support could alienate as many voters as it attracts," she said.

It is clear that the Democrats' strategic focus on tech billionaire Elon Musk in the Wisconsin state Supreme Court race was a successful one. This campaign strategy not only drew attention to issues surrounding the influence of wealth on politics, but also resonated with voters, helping Democrats secure a significant victory.

This race has demonstrated the potential power of tying local races to national figures, and how effectively using these tactics can impact voter turnout and engagement. However, it also raises questions about the future of political campaigning, and whether focusing on individuals rather than policies will become a more common strategy.

As we look ahead to future political races, both Democrats and Republicans will likely be studying the Wisconsin Supreme Court race closely. The lessons learned here may well shape the strategies employed in campaigns across the country.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/02/what-we-learned-from-the-first-big-test-of-the-trump-musk-era-00264812