The Daily Beast Podcast

Episode: "Why Trump Literally Bombed Me With S***"

Release Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Joanna Coles
Guest: Harry J. Sisson

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the bizarre and headline-grabbing incident where former President Donald Trump released an AI-generated video depicting himself (in a fighter pilot’s mask and crown) dropping feces over New York—including directly on today’s guest, Harry J. Sisson, a young and outspoken Democratic political creator. The discussion covers Sisson’s experience as the target of Trump’s viral outburst, how social media now drives political narrative and strategy on both sides, and what being in the crosshairs of MAGA social media means for young progressive voices. Host Joanna Coles and Sisson also tackle Democratic social media strategy, content creation, and the personal challenges of growing up in today’s fraught political arena.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Trump AI Video Incident

• The Setup:
  After participating in Manhattan's "No Kings" protest, Sisson learned he’d been "bombed" in Trump’s AI video after friends messaged him about the bizarre clip.

  • “I just had a long day after the no Kings protest here in Manhattan...and I get a message from a friend...it’s a link to Trump’s Truth Social page...the president is flying a jet...dropping feces on me and millions of other Americans.” — Harry J. Sisson [03:20]

• Sisson's Reaction:
  Shock and disbelief, not only at being targeted by Trump, but at the surreal and juvenile nature of the attack itself.

  • “I was in disbelief. I was depressed at the state of our country, that this is something that I, and we as a collective have to deal with.” — Harry J. Sisson [04:03]

• Republican Response:
  Republicans defended Trump; for instance, House Speaker Mike Johnson even praised Trump’s social media prowess.

  • “Mike Johnson said that Donald Trump is one of the best users of social media there’s ever been.” — Harry J. Sisson [04:03]

2. Sisson’s Social Media Approach & Perceptions

• Embracing the Moment:
  Sisson sees Trump’s attacks as proof that his advocacy hits a nerve:

  • “I welcome Donald Trump attacking me because he’s just proving me right...he’s childish, he’s only interested in internet beef...not a serious legislator.” — Harry J. Sisson [04:56]

• J.D. Vance Joins In:
  The Vice President chimed in online, saying he’d relay Sisson’s question to Trump.

  • “J.D. Vance took it upon himself to reply to my tweet and say, ‘Well, I’ll ask him for you, Harry.’ And J.D. Vance has yet to give me an update on that either.” — Harry J. Sisson [05:51]

3. Changing Political Communication

• Democrats Leveling Up:
  Sisson points to a Democratic “wake up call” post-2024, with more officials learning to use social media strategically.

  • “I’ve noticed a lot of Democrats now have a dedicated team in their office for them to film content and really get the message out there...easy messages for your average American to digest.” — Harry J. Sisson [07:00]

• Comparison to Republicans:
  Republicans established digital infrastructure earlier, but Sisson is confident Democrats are catching up.

4. How Low to Go: The Ethics and Satire of Political Content

• Sisson rejects mimicking Trump’s tactics but endorses creativity and even humor as seen in the campaigns of Zoran Mamdani and Gavin Newsom:
  • “We don’t actually have to be like Trump...we can have a successful social media strategy that doesn’t include the factors of Donald Trump.” — Harry J. Sisson [09:16]

5. Is “Political Creator” the New Politician?

• Coles and Sisson discuss how content creation is now essential for candidates.
  • “If they don’t have that kind of brain, then hire a team that does...there’s an entire new job out there...social media director for a lot of these candidates, these elected officials.” — Harry J. Sisson [11:02]

6. Content Strategy for 2028 and Beyond

• Advice to Aspiring Politicians:
  Early on, it's about getting “eyeballs” and pushing back on Trump. Policy specifics can follow.
  • “Right now is the time to just get eyeballs on you...pushing back on Donald Trump...People are really hungry for an authentic approach.” — Harry J. Sisson [17:16]

7. Personal Background and Motivations

• Sisson’s international upbringing (born in Singapore, raised in Dubai, Dublin, then the U.S.) and how he was drawn to politics during the 2016 election cycle—largely self-motivated:

  • “Neither of my parents are necessarily in politics every single day...I just kind of came to love politics by myself. I think it was around the 2016 election.” — Harry J. Sisson [20:30]

• His dedication is not just to personal “influence,” but to shifting the media landscape for Democrats:

  • “If there is a campaign candidate that I can advise, I will do so for free...I’m just interested in beating MAGA and beating them in elections and taking our democracy back.” — Harry J. Sisson [22:59]

8. Addressing Controversy

• Sisson faces Joanna’s questions about accusations of soliciting explicit photos, a story amplified by Republicans:
  • “At the time this took place, I was a single man in college...Of course, I think I should have approached it better, but I was just kind of playing the field as people have labeled it...I’m older than I was, making better decisions...I’m focused on the future and just pushing back on Donald Trump.” — Harry J. Sisson [25:34]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being targeted by a former President:
  “It is a great source of flattery that I’m living rent free in the President’s mind.” — Harry J. Sisson [22:59]

• On strategy for the Democratic Party:
  “Right now is the time to just get eyeballs on you. We can talk about specific policy later.” — Harry J. Sisson [17:16]

• On personal evolution after controversy:
  “I regret talking to so many people at once and having that kind of be almost secret, I guess. But it’s in the past. I’m really focused on the future and just pushing back on Donald Trump.” — Harry J. Sisson [25:34]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:20] — Harry Sisson describes discovering the Trump video and his initial reaction
• [04:56] — Sisson's response: embracing provocation and using Trump’s attacks to make a point
• [05:51] — JD Vance joins the fray; Sisson on GOP attention
• [07:00] — Sisson analyzes Democrats’ improvements in digital strategy post-2024
• [09:16] — Ethics of political content and the “how low to go” debate
• [11:02] — Why all politicians now need a “creator’s” mindset
• [17:16] — Sisson’s advice for 2028 hopefuls: get noticed and push back on Trump
• [19:33] — Sisson’s personal background, international upbringing, and entry into politics
• [22:59] — Would Sisson run for office? Would he advise campaigns?
• [25:34] — Addressing allegations and personal growth

Conclusion

Joanna Coles and Harry Sisson offer an energetic, revealing look at the state of political communication in 2025, where the battles for attention, authenticity, and message have never been more personal—or more surreal. Sisson’s confidence, willingness to take on controversy, and advocacy for robust Democratic digital strategy speak to a generation reshaping what it means to be politically engaged online. As the podcast closes, both host and guest agree: this won’t be the last time Sisson finds himself at the center of America’s political memes—and he’s more than ready.