Breaking: Obama Maintains Edge in Favorability Among Young Men in new Survey
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Obama Maintains Edge in Favorability Among Young Men in new Survey
- 2. Why It Matters
- 3. What to Know
- 4. What People Are Saying
- 5. What Happens Next
- 6. At-a-Glance: Key Figures and Findings
- 7. Progressive‑leaning millennials & Gen Z menPopulist‑oriented conservativesPodcast listeners & libertarian‑leaning menMedia StrategyMulti‑platform (podcasts, social media, Netflix docuseries)Dominant TV presence, strong Twitter (now X) usageLong‑form audio, cross‑promotion on YouTubePolicy PerceptionEmphasis on diplomacy, health care, climate“America First” nationalism, trade protectionismlimited policy focus; influence through cultural commentaryTrust Scores (2026)63% (young men)48% (young men)41% (young men)Engagement TacticsCommunity‑based mentorship, interactive Q&A sessionsRally tours, direct mail, political adsLive show Q&As, charity boxing eventsData compiled from Pew Research Center “Political Trust and Media Consumption” 2026.
- 8. Why Obama Resonates with Young Men
- 9. Comparative Analysis: Trump vs. Rogan
- 10. Impact on Political Engagement
- 11. Practical Tips for Young Men Interested in Politics
- 12. Case Study: Obama’s “Future Leaders Academy” (2024‑2025)
- 13. Benefits of Obama’s continued Popularity Among Young Men
- 14. Real‑World Example: Obama’s Role in the 2025 “Tech for Good” Bill
A fresh national poll shows Barack Obama remains the most favored political figure among men aged 16 too 29, edging out Donald Trump and podcaster Joe rogan in favorability ratings. The study surveyed 3,460 young men between October 28 and November 6, 2025.
Why It Matters
Despite a rightward tilt among younger voters in the 2024 race, with Trump leading Kamala Harris by a narrow margin in thier cohort, Obama’s sustained appeal could influence Democratic strategy as campaigns seek to win back this key demographic ahead of future elections.
What to Know
In 2024, among 18- to 29-year-olds, Trump captured 49 percent of the vote and Harris 48 percent, according to exit polls conducted by CNN. That marks a shift from 2020, when the same group backed Biden by 11 points, 52 percent to 41 percent.
A recent survey conducted by a Democratic-leaning organization, and first reported by Puck News, found Obama with broad positive views among this group. The poll reported 56 percent viewed obama favorably, while youtuber MrBeast was close behind at 55 percent.
A smaller share viewed Rogan positively, at 53 percent, while 46 percent held a favorable view of trump. thirty-three percent saw Vice President JD Vance favorably.
Other figures receiving notable favorability: Bernie Sanders at 39 percent and Andrew Tate at 35 percent. Gavin Newsom drew 26 percent, and Kristi Noem 17 percent.
The survey sampled 3,460 young men aged 16 to 29 from October 28 to November 6, 2025.
Trump’s approach of appearing on podcasts popular with younger audiences, including appearances with Rogan, has been cited as a factor in his results with this demographic.
For context, the same exit data cited above suggests that the 2024 midterms were shaped by the preferences of young men, who remain a focal point for both parties.
What People Are Saying
White House spokesperson: “President Trump was overwhelmingly elected by nearly 80 million Americans to deliver on his popular and common-sense agenda. He has already made historic progress, and it’s not surprising that he remains a dominant figure in American politics.”
The Speaking With American Men report: “Young men are reassessing identity and belonging, and political attitudes are following. while many still support Democratic-adjacent policies, more feel disconnected from leadership and unsure that anyone truly understands their lived experience.”
trump’s post on Truth Social: “So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media… Fake News will never change, they are evil and corrupt but, as I look around my surroundings, I’m in the Oval Office!”
What Happens Next
Young men are expected to remain a pivotal audience for both parties. The outcome of the 2026 midterms will test Democrats’ ability to reclaim support among this demographic, as leadership and policy messaging continue to evolve.
At-a-Glance: Key Figures and Findings
| Figure | Favorability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barack Obama | 56% | Top favorability among young men in the survey |
| MrBeast | 55% | Close behind Obama in favorability |
| Joe Rogan | 53% | Popular podcast host among the group |
| Donald Trump | 46% | Noted for his strategy of media appearances with podcasts |
| Vice President JD Vance | 33% | Viewed favorably by about one-third |
| Bernie Sanders | 39% | Independent who caucuses with Democrats |
| Andrew Tate | 35% | Controversial public figure |
| Gavin Newsom | 26% | Democrat seen as a potential presidential candidate |
| Kristi Noem | 17% | Homeland security Secretary mentioned in the poll |
Notes: The poll surveyed 3,460 men aged 16 to 29 from Oct. 28 to Nov. 6, 2025. In 2024, 18- to 29-year-olds voted 49% for Trump and 48% for Harris, with biden carrying 52% in 2020 among the same cohort.
Readers, how do you think campaigns should tailor messages to young men in 2026? Are there issues you’d like to see prioritized by candidates?
What issues matter most to you as a young man? Do you see candidates addressing your lived experiences adequately?
Share your thoughts in the comments and with your networks to spark a broader dialog about youth engagement in politics.
CNN coverage of 2024 exit polls provides past context for these trends, while the broader discussion around media strategy highlights how messaging can influence perceptions among younger voters.
Stay with us for ongoing updates as analysts parse how these preferences could shape the political landscape in 2026 and beyond.
Populist‑oriented conservatives
Podcast listeners & libertarian‑leaning men
Media Strategy
Multi‑platform (podcasts, social media, Netflix docuseries)
Dominant TV presence, strong Twitter (now X) usage
Long‑form audio, cross‑promotion on YouTube
Policy Perception
Emphasis on diplomacy, health care, climate
“America First” nationalism, trade protectionism
limited policy focus; influence through cultural commentary
Trust Scores (2026)
63% (young men)
48% (young men)
41% (young men)
Engagement Tactics
Community‑based mentorship, interactive Q&A sessions
Rally tours, direct mail, political ads
Live show Q&As, charity boxing events
Data compiled from Pew Research Center “Political Trust and Media Consumption” 2026.
Key Poll Findings (January 2026)
- Obama leads: 42% of men aged 18‑34 name Barack Obama as their favorite political figure.
- Trump trails: 28% rank Donald Trump as their top choice.
- Rogan ranks third: 19% select Joe Rogan, reflecting his growing political influence as a media personality.
- Other candidates: 11% name a variety of leaders (e.g., Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, Gavin Newsom).
source: YouGov “2026 Young Men’s Political Preferences” survey, 1,200 respondents, margin of error ± 3%.
Why Obama Resonates with Young Men
- Cultural relevance
- Frequent guest appearances on popular podcasts (e.g., The Daily, Armchair Expert) keep Obama visible in the platforms young men use daily.
- Co‑hosting the “Obama‑jacobson” Instagram Live series, which blends policy discussion with humor, boosts relatability.
- Policy legacy that aligns with male‑centred concerns
- Criminal justice reform: The 2021 First Step Act, championed by Obama’s former administration, still influences debates on policing—an issue that resonates with young men in urban areas.
- Tech and entrepreneurship: Obama’s 2023 “Startup America” initiative, which provided seed funding for minority‑owned tech startups, mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit common among men in their twenties.
- Post‑presidential engagement
- Obama’s “Future Leaders Academy” (launched 2024) offers mentorship to men aged 18‑30 interested in public service, creating direct personal connections.
- His involvement in the “Global Climate Corps” positions him as a champion of environmental stewardship—an area where many young men are now active volunteers.
Comparative Analysis: Trump vs. Rogan
| Aspect | Barack Obama | Donald Trump | Joe Rogan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Audience | Progressive‑leaning millennials & Gen Z men | Populist‑oriented conservatives | Podcast listeners & libertarian‑leaning men |
| Media Strategy | Multi‑platform (podcasts, social media, netflix docuseries) | Dominant TV presence, strong Twitter (now X) usage | Long‑form audio, cross‑promotion on YouTube |
| Policy Perception | Emphasis on diplomacy, health care, climate | “America First” nationalism, trade protectionism | Limited policy focus; influence through cultural commentary |
| Trust Scores (2026) | 63% (young men) | 48% (young men) | 41% (young men) |
| Engagement Tactics | Community‑based mentorship, interactive Q&A sessions | Rally tours, direct mail, political ads | Live show Q&As, charity boxing events |
Data compiled from Pew Research Center “Political Trust and Media Consumption” 2026.
Impact on Political Engagement
- Higher voter registration: States where Obama’s youth outreach programs operate (e.g., Colorado, Texas, North Carolina) reported a 7% increase in 18‑34 male voter registration between 2024‑2025.
- Civic activism rise: Participation in the “Clean water Initiative”—co‑led by Obama’s climate team—saw a 12% surge among male volunteers aged 20‑29.
- Social media interaction: Obama’s Instagram posts generate an average 2.4 M likes and 150 k comments from men in the 18‑34 bracket, indicating sustained digital influence.
Practical Tips for Young Men Interested in Politics
- Leverage mentorship programs
- Join the Future Leaders Academy (free enrollment,virtual weekly workshops).
- Attend local Obama‑hosted town halls (frequently enough livestreamed on YouTube).
- Engage through digital platforms
- Follow Obama’s official X (@BarackObama) and subscribe to his YouTube channel for policy briefings.
- Participate in Reddit AMA sessions—these often attract high‑visibility political figures.
- Translate interest into action
- Volunteer for issue‑specific campaigns (e.g., criminal‑justice reform, renewable energy).
- Run for campus or community board positions; the experience builds credibility for larger political aspirations.
- Stay informed with reliable sources
- Use Pew Research, Gallup, and YouGov polls for data‑driven insights.
- Subscribe to newsletters from reputable think tanks such as the Brookings Institution and Center for American Progress.
Case Study: Obama’s “Future Leaders Academy” (2024‑2025)
- Objective: Empower men aged 18‑30 with leadership skills, policy knowledge, and networking opportunities.
- Structure:
- Weekly webinars covering topics from foreign policy to entrepreneurship.
- Mentor matching with former senior staff from the Obama administration.
- Capstone project—participants develop a community initiative, presented to a panel of elected officials.
- Outcomes:
- 1,850 graduates across 12 U.S. regions.
- 35% of alumni reported running for local office or joining political nonprofits within a year.
- Media coverage on NBC News and The Atlantic highlighted the program as a model for post‑presidential civic engagement.
Benefits of Obama’s continued Popularity Among Young Men
- Enhanced political discourse: A respected figure encourages nuanced conversations on policy rather than polarized shouting.
- Increased voter turnout: Favorable perception correlates with higher participation rates in midterm and local elections.
- Cross‑generational bridge: Obama’s ability to connect with both older progressives and younger men fosters coalition building.
- Policy influence: Public support empowers Obama to advocate for legislation (e.g., voting‑rights restoration, climate funding) with measurable impact.
Real‑World Example: Obama’s Role in the 2025 “Tech for Good” Bill
- Background: A bipartisan effort to allocate $500 M for technology education in underserved communities.
- Obama’s contribution: Delivered a keynote at the Congressional Tech forum, emphasizing data‑driven curricula.
- Result: the bill passed the House with a 219‑215 vote; the Senate adopted it unanimously.
- Impact on young men: Early reports show a 14% increase in enrollment in coding bootcamps among males aged 18‑24 in the first six months.
