In a recent social media post, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) attempted to connect with constituents in an unconventional manner—by sharing a video of himself bench pressing at the gym. The clip, meant to highlight his frustration with Republicans for adjourning Congress, quickly became the subject of mockery and criticism online. Swalwell, lifting a modest 135 pounds, lamented, "I should be working right now," suggesting that GOP lawmakers were prioritizing defending Donald Trump over releasing the Epstein files and supporting victims.
The video, which Swalwell hoped would showcase his work ethic and dedication to his role, instead drew attention for the wrong reasons. Conservative commentator Matt Walsh and other social media users derided Swalwell's weightlifting as insufficiently impressive and politically tone-deaf. The incident has sparked broader discussions on the effectiveness of such personal branding efforts by politicians, as Democrats seem to be embracing a fitness theme in their online presence.
This trend is not isolated to Swalwell. Other Democratic figures, such as Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and House candidate Cait Conley from New York, have also posted workout videos. El-Sayed's video, showcasing a 315-pound lift, went viral with over 5 million views. Conley addressed district affordability issues while weightlifting, and Texas Senate hopeful Colin Allred criticized Trump's handling of the Epstein case mid-exercise.
While these attempts may aim to resonate with specific demographics, particularly ahead of the 2026 election cycle, political strategist Pat Dennis warns against such transparent pandering. Dennis emphasizes the importance of authenticity, cautioning that voters are likely to remember politicians for who they truly are, rather than the personas they adopt in campaign stunts.
Swalwell's image has been under scrutiny since his association with a suspected Chinese spy was revealed, despite being cleared of wrongdoing by the FBI in 2023. This history, coupled with the gym video's reception, suggests Swalwell may face challenges in his reelection campaign as he seeks to increase his visibility and connect with voters. His efforts, as seen in the bench press video, are often met with skepticism and serve as fodder for critics rather than as a springboard for political momentum.
