‘Is this the Pleb? It’s Pierre Poilievre speaking’: Inside the raucous, very online world of conservative influencers
The article discusses the rise of political influencers in Canada, particularly focusing on a conversation between Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and conservative influencer Nick Belanger.
The article highlights the increasing influence of political personalities in Canadian politics, particularly through social media platforms. It recounts a surprising phone call between Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, and Nick Belanger, known online as 'The Pleb Reporter,' who has amassed a significant following on platforms like X and YouTube. This interaction underscores how conventional political engagement is evolving as politicians seek to connect with a younger, more digitally savvy electorate.
The conversation not only showcases Poilievre's efforts to reach out to influencers to bolster his public profile but also reflects the broader trend in which political figures align themselves with social media influencers to gain credibility and expand their reach. The exchange between Poilievre and Belanger is presented as emblematic of a new political landscape where the boundaries between traditional campaigning and online presence are increasingly blurred.
This trend could have significant implications for future elections, as the power of influencers grows and traditional media outlets' influence may wane. With the 2025 federal election on the horizon, the article suggests that candidates will need to adapt to this changing environment to resonate with voters effectively. The dynamics of influence in politics thus continue to evolve, indicating a potential shift in how campaigns are organized and executed in Canada.