The podcast 'I've Had It,' hosted by Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, has gained attention for its critical commentary on both Republican policies and the Democratic Party's responses. The show targets listeners who express dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's agenda and the Democratic Party's perceived lack of assertive action.
Welch, an interior designer, and Sullivan, an attorney, are suburban women from Oklahoma who previously appeared on Bravo reality television. They describe their audience as inclusive of various demographic groups.
Critiques of Political Parties
The hosts articulate their criticisms of the political landscape:
- Democratic Party: Welch characterizes the Democratic Party as a 'Preservation Party' focused on maintaining the status quo rather than evolving. Sullivan criticizes House and Senate Democratic leaders, Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, for issuing 'strongly worded letters' instead of taking more decisive action against perceived threats to democracy.
- Support for Marginalized Groups and Progressives: Both hosts argue that key Democratic Party leaders are not adequately advocating for marginalized groups or supporting emerging progressive candidates.
Example: Senator Cory Booker's Response
An instance of this critique involved Senator Cory Booker, who was questioned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When asked if Netanyahu was a 'war criminal,' Booker expressed discomfort, stating his priority was to end the crisis, and such questions 'undermine my urgency.' Welch contrasted this response with Booker's previous 25-hour filibuster against the Trump administration, describing his answer as evasive.
Podcast Style and Reach
The podcast is known for its direct and informal tone, which Welch describes as 'raw, unvarnished and often impolite,' incorporating 'a little bit of gossip, a little bit of policy, a little bit of 'F yous'.' She suggests this conversational style mirrors the way former President Trump has engaged with politics. Sullivan attributes part of their appeal to their self-deprecating humor, fostering a 'gal pal' connection with listeners.
The show's clips have achieved viral status online, and its hosts have amassed millions of followers across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. 'I've Had It' and its daily news counterpart, 'IHIP News,' are regularly featured on top podcast charts, attracting hundreds of thousands of views and listens weekly. The hosts note their audience is diverse, spanning various age groups, red and blue states, and urban and rural areas.
Hosts' Objectives
Welch and Sullivan aim to motivate elected officials to be more responsive to voters. Welch clarifies that their approach is not to 'burn it all down,' but to 'confront and push the politicians we have as far as we can.' She adds that if this process makes politicians vulnerable to primary challenges, it indicates they were not the appropriate leaders.