In the final days leading up to an election, political groups often target specific voter segments in an effort to boost turnout. Last Saturday, conservative commentator CJ Pearson attempted to engage University of Alabama fraternity members with a campaign event at the Delta Kappa Epsilon house ahead of the school’s home football game.

Pearson arrived nearly an hour behind schedule, accompanied by “Roll Tide Willie,” a longtime Alabama football fan known locally as a superfan and unofficial mascot. Together, they distributed red hats bearing the slogan “Make America Party Again” to members of the fraternity, a play on the well-known MAGA phrase. The pair recorded a video urging the crowd to vote, with Willie encouraging attendees to “Go out and vote, vote!” Both men donned the custom hats and exchanged fist bumps during the interaction.

Despite the effort, the event struggled to capture the full attention or enthusiasm of the fraternity members. The group, composed mostly of young men dressed casually in polos and khakis, appeared more focused on socializing, drinking, and enjoying the pre-game atmosphere that included a cover band and mingling with visitors. Several attendees seemed unsure of the messaging behind the hats and whether the campaign was serious, satirical, or attempting to repurpose a divisive political slogan.

This gathering, taking place just before tens of thousands entered the nearby Bryant-Denny Stadium for the football game, highlighted the challenges facing some conservative outreach efforts aimed at college-age voters who may be less politically engaged or motivated by messaging rooted in party loyalty. The combination of party culture and political campaigning underlined the difficulty in translating festive social settings into effective voter mobilization.

Pearson’s initiative was one of many efforts nationwide seeking to connect with younger voters just days before the midterm elections. However, the reception among this particular demographic at Alabama’s prominent football event suggested that free merchandise and calls to vote may not be sufficient to generate enthusiasm among all targeted groups.