Born on December 16, 1976, in O’Neill, Nebraska, Brandon Straka is a prominent political activist and the founder of the #WalkAway Campaign. This influential movement encourages individuals to leave the Democratic Party and the broader political left, advocating for open, honest dialogue and a reevaluation of mainstream political narratives.
Brandon’s journey into activism was catalyzed by his viral YouTube video in May 2018, where he detailed his personal disillusionment with the Democratic Party. This video not only launched the #WalkAway Campaign but also galvanized a community of over one million supporters across social media platforms. The movement focuses on uniting Americans from all walks of life to rethink their political affiliations and to speak out against divisive ideologies.
His transition to national activism marks his dramatic shift in both profession and personal belief, reflecting his overarching desire for truth and integrity in political discourse.
As an openly gay conservative, Straka represents a unique voice in American politics. He is a frequent commentator on various news outlets including Fox News and NewsMax, where he discusses his views on progressivism, the impacts of leftist ideology on culture and politics, and the importance of individual thought in society.
Brandon’s activism is not just limited to online platforms; he actively organizes rallies, events, and marches to spread his campaign’s message. Notably, his leadership in the first #WalkAway March on Washington D.C. drew thousands of participants and garnered significant media attention.
Today, Brandon Straka continues to travel the United States, promoting the #WalkAway message and fostering discussions aimed at unifying Americans under the banner of free thought and personal integrity. His work encourages a critical examination of media influence and political allegiance, urging a return to core American values.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day involves a lot of communication—be it through social media, interviews, or planning sessions with my team. I make my days productive by setting clear goals each morning and sticking to a disciplined schedule. Time management is crucial, especially when you are juggling multiple projects and appearances.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by collaborating with a passionate team who believe in the vision of the #WalkAway Campaign. We brainstorm, evaluate the potential impact of each idea, and use digital platforms to test and refine these ideas with our audience. Engagement and feedback from the community play a big role in shaping our initiatives.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The trend of individuals from diverse backgrounds standing up and speaking out about their political beliefs, especially those who are leaving the left, truly excites me. This movement towards open, honest dialogue is essential for democracy and understanding.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Staying informed helps me be productive. I spend a significant amount of time reading various news sources and listening to different political commentators to understand all perspectives, which helps me develop informed, nuanced viewpoints.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about seeking approval from others and more about finding personal truth and standing by it. The courage to walk away from the crowd and think independently is powerful.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that the political left often undermines the values that truly foster diversity, inclusion, and equality. Many don’t agree with this, but I’ve seen how divisive some of their policies and ideologies can be.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Read broadly and listen to those with whom you disagree. It sharpens your understanding and sometimes even strengthens your arguments.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and disconnect from digital spaces to reconnect with real life, often through singing or acting. This helps me refocus and destress.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Networking has been invaluable. Connecting with influential personalities in the media and politics has opened doors and created opportunities for the #WalkAway Campaign that would have been otherwise unavailable.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
In the early days of my campaign, I underestimated the backlash I would receive. I overcame this by focusing on the support and positive feedback instead of the negativity. The lesson was clear: no matter the challenge, stay true to your mission.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An online platform that connects former political left members with support groups and resources to help navigate their transition. There’s a huge potential community out there looking for guidance and reassurance.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely heavily on social media management tools like Hootsuite. It allows me to schedule posts, engage with my followers, and analyze the effectiveness of different content types all from one dashboard.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“1984” by George Orwell. It’s a profound reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism and thought control, themes that resonate deeply with my mission to encourage free thinking.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed “The Crown” on Netflix. It’s fascinating to see a dramatized version of historical political events and personalities, reflecting on how they shaped society.
Key learnings
1. Embrace Independent Thinking: Brandon encourages reading widely and engaging with opposing views to strengthen one’s own perspective and promote open dialogue.
2. Stay True to Your Vision: Despite facing significant challenges and opposition, maintaining focus on the core mission of the #WalkAway Campaign has been crucial to its success.
3. Value of Networking: Establishing connections within the media and political spheres has been instrumental in advancing the campaign and spreading its message further.