# Democrats Film Workouts to Counter Weak Image

> Democrats post workout videos to appear strong after 2024 election loss.
- Title: Democrats Film Workouts to Counter Weak Image · Mother Jones
- Summary: Democrats post workout videos to appear strong after 2024 election loss. Democrats are filming themselves working out to counter perceptions of weakness…
- Keywords: democrats, workout videos, 2024 election, political messaging, campaign strategy, political candidates, democratic party, Film, Workouts, Counter, Weak, Image
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/10/democrats-keep-posting-videos-of-themselves-pumping-iron-el-sayed-rutinel-conley-midterms
- Author: Tim Murphy
- Published: 2026-10-05T12:44:42+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: democrats, workout videos, 2024 election, political messaging, campaign strategy, political candidates, democratic party
## Democrats post workout videos
After a historic setback in 2024, Democratic candidates began filming themselves working out to counter perceptions of weakness.
## Manny Rutinel posts bicep curls
Manny Rutinel, a Colorado Democrat challenging Rep. Gabe Evans, posted a video of himself doing bicep curls while playing Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs'.
## Abdul El-Sayed challenges JD Vance
Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate nominee, challenged JD Vance to a squat-off in Washington, DC.
## Birch Evans Bayh IV racks weights
Indiana Secretary of State candidate Birch Evans Bayh IV aired an ad where he racked weights and bench-pressed while lamenting that most politicians are weak.

> most politicians are weak
## Campaigns use workout videos
Candidates like Cait Conley, Graham Platner, Colin Allred, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore posted workout videos to connect with voters and counter conservative messaging.
## Weakness perception after 2024
After the 2024 election, Democrats were perceived as 'weak and woke' by focus groups and talk-show interviews.

> weak and woke
## Workout videos counter weakness
The solution to appearing strong is to show energy and physical capability to dispel misconceptions about Democrats.
## Key takeaway

Democrats are filming themselves working out to counter perceptions of weakness after the 2024 election.