Top Political Influencers: Shaping the Cultural Discourse

While the top political figures may be President Biden and Trump, political influencers help shape how you feel about them. These influential political personalities help shape your thoughts while offering information to share around the dinner table or water cooler. They work at shaping the discourse and often influence who you vote for in elections. Regardless of which side of the aisle you are on, you will want to follow these top political influencers. Studying these top political influencers will help you answer the question of what political influence means.

Political influencers work online, in the mass media industry, and as talk show hosts to spread the news for and against political figures. If you have ever wondered how the media influences politics, consider how the media acts as a watchdog. Political influencers expose government misconduct and hold leaders accountable. Investigative journalism uncovers corruption and abuse of power, prompting public outrage and catalyzing political change. 

Furthermore, media outlets mold public perception by framing issues in particular ways. The choice of headlines, images, and editorial bias can sway public opinion and influence voters, making media a potent tool for politicians seeking to advance their agendas. Additionally, the media often sets the agenda by deciding which topics receive attention and airtime. Top political figures often respond to media coverage, tailoring their policies and messaging to align with prevailing narratives. The answer to how the media influences politics is that they have incredible political influence in informing the public, shaping opinions and setting influential political agendas.

Consider these top political influencers as they work hard in shaping the discourse that many believe about top political figures and have tremendous political influence. Their political power often helps shape decisions made by the president, Congress and state governments. When you wonder how the media influences politics, consider how these political opinion leaders work.

Political Influencer Laura Ingraham

Laura Ingraham, born on June 19, 1963, is one of the top political opinion leaders on American television and a radio talk show host. She is a political commentator and author who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. Ingraham worked as a law clerk before starting a successful media career. She gained recognition as a conservative commentator on Fox News, hosting "The Ingraham Angle." In addition to her broadcasting career, Ingraham has written several books, including The Hillary Trap and Billionaire at the Barricades. Her outspoken and often polarizing views have made her a prominent American political influencer.

As one of the best conservative influencers, you will find her advocating for stricter immigration policies, including support for border security and opposition to illegal immigration. She is a proponent of American nationalism and often criticizes globalism and international agreements undermining U.S. sovereignty. As a conservative influencer, she often voices her opposition to abortion and support for religious freedom. Furthermore, Ingraham is an outspoken critic of media bias.

Talk Show Host Rachel Maddow

Born on April 1, 1973, Rachel Maddow is the host of the award-winning MSNBC talk show The Rachel Maddow Show. The talk show has won three Emmy awards, including two for Outstanding News Discussion and Analysis. The show covers current events, both political and otherwise, and often includes guest speakers with different perspectives on the issues of the day. From 2005 to 2010, a radio talk show by the same name aired on Air America Radio.

Rachel Maddow is the author of four books, including Blowout, which was published in 2019, and Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism, which will become available on October 17, 2023. Maddow also has a substantial presence on Twitter, where she has 10.2 million followers and regularly comments on politics and ongoing events.

Influential Leader Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., born on January 17, 1954, is an American environmental lawyer, author, and activist. He is also a presidential candidate competing for the Democratic nomination. He is the third of eleven children of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy, part of the prominent Kennedy political dynasty. Raised in a family committed to public service, he studied law at Harvard University and later focused on environmental advocacy. RFK Jr. co-founded the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global organization dedicated to protecting waterways, and has been a vocal advocate for environmental causes, particularly on issues related to water quality and pollution.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. uses his power as one of America's top political influencers to lead political conversations promoting progressive and environmental causes. He is a staunch advocate for environmental protection and sustainability, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and corporate accountability to combat climate change and safeguard natural resources. Kennedy is a vocal pharmaceutical industry critic, and has voiced concerns about vaccine safety — sometimes spreading misinformation in the process. Additionally, he has expressed skepticism through his political communication about some aspects of modern industrial agriculture, favoring organic and sustainable farming practices. His political views align with a commitment to social justice and environmentalism, reflecting his family's legacy of political activism.

Political Opinion Leader Judy Ferris Pirro

Judy Pirro started as a notable American attorney and television personality before becoming one of the top political personalities. Born on June 2, 1954, in Elmira, New York, she gained recognition through her legal career and television appearances. Pirro served as a county judge and District Attorney in New York's Westchester County. Her legal acumen and strong advocacy for victims' rights propelled her into the public eye. Judy Pirro is best known for her TV show "Judge Jeanine Pirro," which premiered in 2008 and featured her discussing legal issues, current events and political communication.

Through her online influence, she leads political discussions advocating for conservative principles, including a strong stance on law and order, support for Second Amendment rights, and a vocal critique of progressive policies. Her fervent support of former President Donald Trump and defends his policies makes her one of the top political social media influencers. Pirro's online influence has made her a polarizing figure in American politics, with many admirers and critics. Her influence extends beyond television, as she engages in conservative political discussions and has written books promoting her conservative beliefs. She is one of the top political Instagram influencers.

Author and Commentator Ben Shapiro

Born on January 15, 1984, Ben Shapiro is a conservative American columnist, political commentator, and author. Shapiro co-founded the conservative news website The Daily Wire, where he still serves as editor emeritus. He has produced the talk show The Ben Shapiro Show since 2015. Shapiro has 6.3 million subscribers on YouTube, and 6.1 million followers on Twitter. His books include 2004’s Brainwashed: How Universities Indoctrinate America’s Youth, 2019’s Facts Don’t Care About Your Feelings, and 2021’s The Authoritarian Movement: How the Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.

Ben Shapiro was born to a conservative Jewish family. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 2007, after earning a degree in political science from the University of California. His conservative views include a negative stance on abortion, support for capital punishment, and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.

Political Instagram Influencer Zerlina Maxwell

Zerlina Maxwell is a prominent American political analyst, commentator and author known for her insightful perspectives on contemporary issues. Born on November 16, 1981, Maxwell hails from Millburn, New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Tufts University and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law. Maxwell's career has spanned various facets of media and politics. She has worked for political personalities, including as a field organizer for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, and held positions at organizations like EMILY's List and Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. Maxwell is also a published author known for her book The End of White Politics, which addresses the intersection of race, gender, and politics in America.

Her social media influence on politics often advocates for social justice, gender equality and racial equity makes her one of the top political social media influencers. Maxwell supports women's rights and has been vocal about issues such as reproductive health and gender-based violence. She's been critical of systemic racism and has called for police reform and criminal justice reform, and she is often followed by influential leaders. Maxwell's political commentary often emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in American politics. She's a proponent of progressive policies such as healthcare reform, affordable education, and a living wage. Her media appearances and writings contribute to essential conversations on these topics.

Talk Show Host Sean Hannity

Sean Hannity is a prominent American television and radio host, political commentator, and author. Born on December 30, 1961, in New York City, he grew up in a modest family and began his career in broadcasting as a radio host in the late 1980s. Hannity gained national recognition as a co-host on the Fox News Channel's Hannity & Colmes from 1996 to 2009, where he showcased his conservative political views. He has since become the host of Hannity, a highly rated nightly talk show on Fox News, and his radio program, The Sean Hannity Show. Many conservative political social media influencers listen to or watch his shows before creating their posts.

Hannity's commentary often builds political awareness in the public for traditional conservative values, including limited government intervention, strong national defense and lower taxes. His social media presence further provides support for conservative figures and causes and has made him one of the most prominent conservative influencers in American conservative media, and he often advocates for online activism from his listeners. He continues to shape political discourse through his shows and books, championing right-leaning perspectives.

Political Influencer Joy Behar

Joy Behar, born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto on October 7, 1942, is a prominent American television host, comedian, actress and writer. Behar's career in the entertainment industry began in the early 1980s when she gained recognition for her stand-up comedy performances. She became a household name as one of the original co-hosts of the daytime talk show The View, where her commentary on current events often has a political impact. Behar's background includes a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in English education.

Joy Behar is outspoken about her liberal political viewpoints. She champions progressive causes and is unafraid to engage in lively debates with her conservative colleagues. Behar's commentary often aligns with the Democratic Party, and she has been a vocal critic of Republican policies and politicians. Her remarks help keep public awareness focused on topics like healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, gun control, and women's rights, which often resonate with left-leaning audience members. She participates in campaigns and uses her platform to advocate for the causes she believes in.

Conservative Influencer Clay Travis

Clay Travis was born on April 6, 1979, in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated from George Washington University Law School and briefly practiced law before pursuing a career in sports journalism. Travis gained recognition as one of the best conservative influencers for his blog, Outkick the Coverage, where he provided a unique blend of sports analysis and provocative commentary. He later expanded his platform to include a radio show and television appearances on outlets like Fox Sports and ESPN. In May 2021, Clay Travis, along with Buck Sexton, took over Rush Limbaugh's radio talk show, and he quickly grew to be one of the most influential political personalities today.

Clay Travis's political impact encompasses a belief in limited government, emphasizing the importance of minimizing government intervention in individuals' lives and businesses. He argues for reducing regulations and bureaucracy to promote economic freedom and personal autonomy. Travis advocates for a free-market capitalist system, where competition and private enterprise drive economic growth and innovation. He often highlights the benefits of free-market principles, such as job creation, increased prosperity, and consumer choice. Additionally, Travis has criticized excessive political correctness and cancel culture, believing that these trends stifle open dialogue, hindering free expression and curtailing individual liberties. He contends that cancel culture can have a chilling effect on free speech and undermine the fundamental principles of democracy.

Public Opinion Leader Bill Maher

Bill Maher is an American comedian, political commentator, and television host known for his political humor. Born on January 20, 1956, in New York City, Maher began his career as a stand-up comedian before gaining recognition as the host of the late-night talk show Politically Incorrect from 1993 to 2002. Maher's subsequent show, Real Time with Bill Maher, has been on the air since 2003, providing a platform for discussions on politics, current events, and social issues and making him one of the most influential political personalities.

Bill Maher's political identity places him within the liberal camp, which you can discover by pursuing his strong social media influence on politics. One of his hallmark stances is his support for free speech, believing that robust discourse and open dialogue are fundamental to a healthy democracy. It is a view that he often purports as one of the top political influencers on Twitter. He's been a vocal proponent of secularism, emphasizing the importance of separating religion from government institutions to ensure fairness and equity for all citizens. Maher has voiced his support for the legalization of marijuana, arguing for its potential economic benefits and a more rational approach to drug policy. He's an outspoken critic of organized religion, often using his platform to scrutinize its influence on societal norms and policies, highlighting areas where he believes it can stifle progress and individual freedoms.

Political Personality Mark Levin

Mark Levin, born on September 21, 1957, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a prominent American conservative lawyer, radio host, author, and political commentator. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Temple University and later received his Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law. Levin's career in law and politics began by working as an advisor to several Reagan administration officials. He gained widespread recognition as a conservative radio host, hosting The Mark Levin Show, where he drives political engagement by advocating for constitutional conservatism and limited government. His books, like Liberty and Tyranny and Ameritopia, often help shape the way that influential leaders think.

As one of the leading political influencers, he advocates limited government, strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution, and individual liberty. As one of the top conservative influencers, Levin's perspective aligns with the principles of constitutional conservatism, building political awareness of the importance of preserving America's founding values. He has one of the most robust influencer streams opposing progressive policies, often critiquing excessive government intervention and advocating for free-market capitalism. As a constitutional scholar and one of the most influential online political influencers, he emphasizes the significance of originalism in interpreting the Constitution. Levin's views on immigration are notably conservative, emphasizing border security and strict immigration policies.

Political Social Media Influencer Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer, born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26, 1993, is a multi-talented American actress, singer, and television personality. Hailing from Harvey, Illinois, Palmer began her career at a young age, gaining recognition for her breakthrough role in the film Akeelah and the Bee. She continued to shine in various projects, starring in Nickelodeon's True Jackson, VP and in the film Hustlers. Palmer's musical journey includes albums like So Uncool and her EP Lauren. She is now one of the most prominent online political influencers.

Keke Palmer is one of the most passionate of America's top political influencers. She is incredibly talented in digital advocacy and is one of the top online political influencers using her platform to raise awareness about important issues, like racial equality, climate change, and LGBTQ+ rights, making her a prominent voice for exerting social media influence on politics. She has one of the most notable influencer streams driving political engagement with the Black Lives Matter movement for online activism, participating in protests and using her social media presence to host political conversations and promote events, especially as one of the most talented political Instagram influencers. She's also strongly supported environmental causes, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change as she works towards digital advocacy. Political influencers on Twitter do not come any more talented, even if you disagree with her political discourse. She has great social media influence on politics, making her one of the top political social media influencers

Journalist V Spehar

Vitus Spehar, better known as V Spehar, was born on August 5, 1982 and is an American journalist. Spehar is best known for hosting the TikTok news account UnderTheDeskNews, which has 3 million followers and over 162 million likes. Their news show features updates on current events, controversial subjects, and good news. They are also the host of the podcast V Interesting, where they go more in depth on topics ranging from environmental justice to the politics of social media.

Spehar is originally from Connecticut. They have received a New York Commendation Award for journalism and the Webby Special Achievement Award. They were also invited to attend briefings on the Inflation Reduction Act at the White House and attended the congressional hearing on the RESTRICT Act.

Following these political influencers will give you a well-rounded viewpoint of what is happening in politics. Follow your favorite political influence experts on their social media platforms, talk shows, and newspaper columns. And follow GoodParty.org on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates and memes about all things independent politics.