An epic-sized backlash
The Brand Brief 7.9.26: Lupita Nyong’o, Charlie Kirk, Kill Tony, Abdul El-Sayed, Caitlin Clark, Graham Platner, and Spencer Pratt
Actionable media intel: The Brand Brief delivers a daily snapshot of the conservative media ecosystem - FOX News, podcasts, and more. | Brought to you by On Brand Strategies | Written by Carly Moran and Nathan Brand
📣 Driving the Conversation…
1,219 words | 5 minute read | Written to be skimmable (11+ hours of media covered in The Brand Brief)
What Matters: Conservative media vs. The Odyssey
New Media Voices: Platner, Kirk, and the rise of socialism
Leading FOX: Tyler Robinson trial
Trending: Spencer Pratt and Donald J. Trump International Airport
What the Right is Writing: Spain, NATO, and Platner
✍️ WHAT MATTERS AND WHERE WE’RE GOING…
Nathan’s quick take on where we’re headed…
For conservative media, it’s culture first, politics second—making its recent focus on summer blockbusters completely predictable.
This week’s target: The Odyssey.
The film’s pre-release media tour is already drawing conservative media eye-rolls. First, transgender actor Ellen (Elliot) Page was cast in a male role. Second, actress Lupita Nyong’o told the media that Homer’s 3,000-year-old epic poem fails to capture a woman’s perspective.
Hollywood backlash is not universal. Project Hail Mary, based on the Andy Weir novel, earned praise from conservatives simply for not being “woke” (the bar is low) and incorporating subtle Christian themes.
This is not new on the right: I grew up in a house that had our cinema experience largely shaped by conservative talk radio host Michael Medved’s weekly movie reviews. - NRB
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🎙️ NEW MEDIA VOICES
The Megyn Kelly Show - 7/8
Kelly argues DNA evidence will be crucial to establish Tyler Robinson’s guilt
She criticizes security failures at Utah Valley University, pointing out the ease with which the shooter accessed the roof
Guest and friend of Charlie Kirk, Jack Posobiec, notes how the assassination culture is increasingly targeting conservatives
Guests Sean Davis of The Federalist, and Sohrab Ahmari of Unherd both argue some remaining skirmishes are likely despite the peace deal between the U.S. and Iran
The Ben Shapiro Show - 7/8
Shapiro criticizes Candace Owens for her unfounded conspiracy theories on Charlie Kirk’s death, arguing it distracts from real issues
He also calls for certain members of TPUSA to do better at defending Kirk’s legacy and the facts of the case
He argues the DNA evidence linking Tyler Robinson and Lance Twiggs should be the focus of the case
The Michael Knowles Show - 7/8
Knowles argues the disastrous box office performance of Supergirl proves woke doesn’t sell
He criticizes Christopher Nolan for his upcoming transgender version of The Odyssey, suggesting it will further alienate audiences seeking authentic narratives
Knowles points out the decline of l franchises like Star Wars, attributing their failure to a lack of traditional character representation
He uses Kill Tony as an example of how comedy can still thrive despite societal pressures
Will Cain Country - 7/9
Cain argues Democrats are failing to connect with young men, pointing out failures of more masculine candidates like Graham Platner
Guest Boyscast host Danny Polishchuk argues last-minute desperation was why the party picked Platner
He slams the hypocrisy of political endorsements, suggesting power dynamics often overshadow genuine representation, particularly for male candidates like John Fetterman and Joe Biden
Cain points out how culture drives this, highlighting celebrities like Harry Styles
He argues economic resentment has fueled the rise of communism and hatred toward men
After Party with Emily Jashinsky - 7/8
Jashinsky argues Graham Platner’s withdrawal from his race in Maine underscores serious questions about journalistic ethics in covering up his sexual assault allegations
She criticizes the Smithsonian for its biased portrayal of American history in the wake of America250
She applauds Spencer Pratt’s foundation launch aimed at media accountability, but questions the effectiveness of celebrity-driven political messaging
Looking at both Trump supporters and the rise of socialist candidates, she argues voters are less concerned about ethics of their elected officials and more about surviving rising costs
📺 LEADING FOX NEWS
The Five
Maine Democrat leadership accuse Graham Platner of meddling in the candidate replacement process
President Trump resumes bombing Iran, calls them “scum” and “cuckoo”
Leading Democrat primary candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens duke it out on the debate stage to win the Michigan Senate seat
Colorado socialist candidate Melat Kiros says reparations are the only way to end racism
The Odyssey actress Lupita Nyong’o tries to claim Homer was sexist
FOX & Friends
The U.S. launches a second night of airstrikes on Iran
Graham Platner suspends his race for the Senate while denying rape allegations, Bangor Daily News Editor Michael Shepherd explains the 600-person convention to determine his replacement
Tyler Robinson’s boyfriend Lance Twig’s recorded testimony will play in court today
The Palm Beach International Airport is now the Donald J. Trump International Airport, Eric Trump reacts
A major investigation is underway to determine the killer of New Jersey mother Brooke Hanlon
A former Milwaukee judge guilty of obstruction relating to an immigration case evades jail time despite showing no remorse
As the housing market cools, it’s a buyers market
Studies show children need recess to help focus, improve their health, and learn social skills
🍿 TRENDING AND POUNCING
Tomorrow’s news today…
Donald J. Trump International Airport is now official in Florida, and Eric Trump just made sure Trump Force One was the first plane to ever land. [X, Daugherty]
Democrats just replaced a duly elected candidate who 156,000 people voted for. The same thing they did with Joe Biden. The party of “democracy.” [X, LibsofTikTok]
Mayor Mamdani’s map of NYC immigrant neighborhoods sparks outrage for ignoring Little Italy [X, NYP]
🗞️ WHAT THE RIGHT IS WRITING
FOX News Digital
US forces strike approximately 90 targets in Iran during latest military operation [FOX News]
Former lover’s testimony could shape fate of accused Charlie Kirk assassin [FOX News]
Platner drops out of Senate race after bombshell rape allegation torpedoes candidacy [FOX News]
Breitbart
Trump Effect: Spain Folds, Agrees to Boost NATO Payments After U.S. Trade Halt Order [Breitbart]
Trump Declares Ceasefire with ‘Cuckooo’ Iran Is Over [Breitbart]
Explosive Infighting Erupts Between Maine Democrats and Platner’s Campaign [Breitbart]
Wall Street Journal Editorials
How the Smithsonian Lost America’s Plot [WSJ Ed]
Trump Tells the Truth About Iran [WSJ Ed]
Trump Will Let Ukraine Make Patriots [WSJ Ed]
The Latest Housing Scapegoats [WSJ Ed]
New York Post
Developer of buckling NYC building facing $376M claims for ‘life-threatening’ shortcuts at celeb enclave [NYP]
Mamdani backed DSA candidate blasted border patrol as ‘steeped in anti-Blackness and Islamophobia’ [NYP]
Washington Free Beacon
2028 Democrats Who Disgraced Themselves Most for Graham Platner [WFB]
Washington Reporter
EXCLUSIVE: Iowa Democrat’s education record becomes campaign trail liability [Reporter]
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