The Attention Empire: RFK Jr., Purple Cows, and the New Order of Politics

Are we debating ideas, or just competing for clicks? Do the Dems stand a chance in the era of Purple Cows? Welcome to the Attention Empire.

Happy Tuesday everyone! I don’t usually drop hot takes, but I’m feeling a little edgy today, so here’s a bit of a spicy one: politics isn’t about policies, it’s about attention. Now hear me out, obviously the policies matter, but I do think people who drive attention in today’s ‘attention economy’, are the people who ultimately shape the conversation.

I was reading Seth Godin’s Purple Cow today, and if you’re not familiar, the entire premise of the book is the idea that in a field of black and white cows, the purple one is the only one that gets noticed. And right now, I believe we’re watching an influx of political Purple Cows—disruptors who stand out, who shape the future.

I’ve said it before, but today it’s been confirmed. A new Harvard Harris poll shows RFK Jr., Trump, and Elon Musk aren’t just crushing headlines, they’re the most favorable figures in politics today. And at the same time, Democrats have never seen more trouble in the galaxy of polls. So let’s talk about it. 🐄✨

Here’s 1 Big Idea I’m chewing on, 2 Big Questions for you, and 3 Stories I’m reading & watching.

A New Herd: The Purple Cows Awaken

The safest political move? Stay quiet, do what you’re told, play nice, and pray no one drags your name on TV. But that strategy is up in flames, and if you couldn’t tell the Purple Cows are the ones who are holding the matches. We’re in a new era that’s changing everything, and the proof is in the new Harvard Harris poll:

• Donald Trump: 52% approval rating, with strong support on immigration, government cost-cutting, and restoring American values.

• RFK Jr., now Secretary of Health and Human Services, sits at +9 net favorability (46% favorable, 37% unfavorable), making him one of the most liked political figures in the country despite relentless attacks from media.

• Elon Musk: 44% favorable, 44% unfavorable—polarizing but undeniably influential as he reshapes government efficiency.

When I read in between the lines here, something screams out to me. There is power in being polarizing. Each one of these guys stands out, and each one of them takes heat. And I think there’s something powerful to that—if you’re not making people talk, you’re almost not making any impact. When I look at the work that I do, some of my best performing pieces are the ones that are most polarizing. And as I study this data it further confirms the direction that this country is moving towards, which asks a big question…

The Cycle of Polarizing Takes.

Is this the healthy? I’m not entirely sure. I grabbed a piece of paper as I’m writing this because I felt like I needed a visual, so this is what I’m picturing. Being polarizing fuels division, and division breeds debate and online chaos, but those debates and division still end up shaping the conversation that changes the word? This is what I keep coming back to. Are we are in a battle of ideas, or are we in a battle of attention? I know the answer is some hybrid combination of both of those dynamic worlds, but I’m going to be chewing on this for a while, and I’d really love to get your feedback here. One thing’s for sure though, playing it “safe” doesn’t seem to be the smartest move today.

These Are Not The Democrats You’re Looking For

Here’s a question, when was the last time a Democrat made headlines not because of damage control, but because they actually excited people about something? When was the last time a Democrat sparked a real movement that wasn’t just “vote against Trump” or “save democracy” in vague, existential galaxy ending-terms?

The Democrats have so many politicians, but they don’t have a Purple Cow. Joe Biden? He’s the definition of a standard politician, a plain old cow if I’ve ever seen one. (I also don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with plain cows, but more on that another time.) Kamala Harris? Please, even her own party isn’t rallying behind her. Gavin Newsom? He’s more of a California influencer than a national disruptor at this point.

When we look at the Harvard Harris poll, not a single Democratic figure cracked the list of the most favorable politicians. They’ve got no disruptors, no game-changers, no singular force of personality that people can’t stop talking about. There is no Purple Cow.

The left built its brand on movements, Obama’s “Hope and Change,” Bernie’s “Revolution,” but right now? The Democratic Party is static, when the world is dynamic. If the Democrats want to compete in this era of political disruption, they need someone who can tell a new story. Someone who can capture the imagination of the voters, and electrify a movement, not just a campaign.

The question they need to be asking is, do they have that person? Or are they just waiting for someone to show up?

The Force is With the Outcasts: Stand Out or Fade Away

We’re in a new political era, and it belongs to the ones who cause people to turn their heads when they’re driving down the fields.

RFK Jr., Trump, Musk, love them or hate them, they’re not waiting for the future, they’re creating the future.

Seth Godin put it perfectly:

"If you’re remarkable, it’s likely that some people won’t like you. That’s part of the definition of remarkable. Nobody gets unanimous praise—ever. The best one can hope for is to be unnoticed. Criticism comes to those who stand out."

So the question is, who’s going to stand out and be remarkable in a way that pushes this galaxy and all of humanity forward?

2 Questions for you:

1. Are we are in a battle of ideas, or are we in a battle of attention? I have a lot of thoughts here, but what I really want to know is what you think!

2. Does the Democratic Party need a Purple Cow? If so, who do you think has the potential to step up and be that disruptor?

(Reply with your take—I read everything!👇🏼)

And 3 stories I’m reading & watching:

• President Trump unveils a new $5 million “Gold Card” offering wealthy immigrants a pathway to citizenship to boost economy and reduce the national debt.

• House passes budget resolution that would eliminate taxes on overtime pay, Social Security, and tips.

• Vivek Ramaswamy officially announces his run for Governor in Ohio.

Can I Be Honest?

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