Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season | Newsmakers
NPR · Published on October 15, 2026
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Description
Republicans are attacking left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker – and the Democratic candidates he aligns with – in political ads ahead of the midterm elections. But the 35-year-old commentator, who identifies as a socialist and is known for his inflammatory comments on everything from foreign policy to whatever is in the zeitgeist, doubts this “guilt-by-association politics” will persuade voters. Piker sat down with NPR host Leila Fadel to talk about his incendiary style, whether he’s become a liability for Democrats, and what his critics miss when they portray him as an “America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist.” ---------------------------- NEWSMAKERS takes you face to face with the person of the moment. This interview series brings the biggest names in politics, business, sports, arts, and culture out of the headlines and into the interview chair to discuss the mark they’re making on the world. SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode: https://n.pr/4sUs0Wv WATCH more Newsmakers episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp-wXwmbv3z-RdMUCdagwKYXy77tkaVgC ---------------------------- SUBSCRIBE TO OTHER NPR CHANNELS NPR Music: https://www.youtube.com/@nprmusic NPR Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@UCuVaB0t5qJRxP55gEl6TuKQ Planet Money: https://www.youtube.com/@UCwlvY6_2iza-QkE5CIWpIFA Wild Card: https://www.youtube.com/@NPRWildCard Fresh Air: https://www.youtube.com/@thisisfreshair ---------------------------- FOLLOW NPR ELSEWHERE https://www.npr.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/npr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@npr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPR ---------------------------- The NPR shows you love are possible thanks to your support. Donate today: https://www.npr.org/donations/support
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