The rage bait candidate - Today, Explained Recap

Podcast: Today, Explained

Published: 2026-03-18

Duration: 26 min

Guests: Will Sommer, Stephanie Slade

What Happened

James Fishback, a Republican candidate for governor in Florida, is gaining attention despite his low chances of winning. He has become popular among Gen Z Republicans, partly due to his controversial and racist remarks, including derogatory comments about Congressman Byron Donalds. Fishback's appeal is partly fueled by his connection to the white nationalist Groiper movement, led by Nick Fuentes, though Fishback himself is half Colombian.

Fishback's background is in finance, though his credentials are questionable. He worked as a low-level employee at a hedge fund and allegedly embellished his experience to gain media appearances. This led to a meme in the finance community about his self-proclaimed expertise. His campaign includes extreme proposals, such as taxing OnlyFans creators heavily and instituting public executions, which have drawn both attention and criticism.

The episode also discusses the broader context of racial extremism among Hispanic Republicans in Florida, a trend that Fishback appears to embody. This has been highlighted by leaks showing young Hispanic Republicans in Miami expressing racist views. Fishback's campaign is seen as part of a larger movement within the Republican Party that is shifting towards more extreme right-wing ideologies.

Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark, suggests that Fishback's campaign strategy is more about gaining media attention than winning office. He compares it to the career paths of right-wing media figures who have leveraged their platforms for influence. Fishback is seen as a potential future political figure who could harness discontent among young Republicans.

Stephanie Slade from Reason magazine provides historical context, noting that fringe figures have always existed in American conservatism. She compares Fishback to past figures like George Wallace and Pat Buchanan, who also represented extreme viewpoints. Slade argues that while Fishback might not win, his ideas could influence the Republican Party's future direction.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential future of the Republican Party post-Trump. Fishback's rise signals a possible direction, appealing to very online young men, but it's uncertain if this will resonate with the broader Republican base. Slade suggests that these fringe ideas might need to lose repeatedly before the party shifts away from them.

Key Insights

• James Fishback is gaining traction among Gen Z Republicans despite being a long-shot candidate for Florida governor. His controversial statements and alignment with the Groiper movement are central to his appeal.
• Fishback's financial background is dubious, with claims of inflated credentials that have become a meme in the finance community. His campaign proposals are extreme, aiming to capture attention rather than present viable policies.
• Racial extremism among Hispanic Republicans in Florida is on the rise, with Fishback being a prominent figure in this trend. This reflects a broader shift within the Republican Party towards more extreme ideologies.
• Historical context shows that fringe figures like Fishback have always been part of American conservatism. While his ideas may not be mainstream now, they could influence the future direction of the party.