San Francisco State Senator Scott Wiener has been a frequent target of conservative activists, including Laura Loomer, who recently described him as a ‘degenerate’ on her podcast. Loomer, who has a large following, also tweeted about Wiener, calling him a ‘BDSM-wearing freak’ who has worked to ‘legalize murder’. Wiener’s office reports that they receive frequent threats, with multiple people being prosecuted for making threats against him.
Local Angle
Despite the national attention, the local angle is significant, with Wiener being a prominent figure in San Francisco politics. His office notes that being targeted by conservative activists has actually helped him in San Francisco, where he is seen as a champion of progressive values. Wiener himself has stated that the attacks are ‘all about the clicks and the engagement’ and that he is ‘red meat for their base’.
The relationship between right-wing media and Wiener is complex, with both sides benefiting from the attention. Wiener has become a sort of ‘wrestling heel’ for conservative activists, who use him as a symbol of everything they dislike about San Francisco and progressive politics. However, this attention has also helped Wiener to build a reputation as a strong advocate for his constituents and a champion of progressive values.
Local Implications
The ongoing attacks on Wiener have significant implications for local politics in San Francisco. With the city’s congressional primary approaching, Wiener’s opponents are trying to use the controversy to their advantage. However, polls suggest that Wiener remains popular in San Francisco, and that the attacks are unlikely to hurt him in the election. In fact, Wiener’s office believes that the attention has actually helped him to build a stronger connection with his constituents and to solidify his position as a leader in San Francisco politics.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.