Following the 2024 election, prominent figures in left-leaning media convened to dissect their perceived digital strategy failures. A recent report by Semafor reveals that Laurene Powell Jobs, owner of The Atlantic, hosted a gathering of activists and media members to discuss the left's underperformance in the online sphere.

The meeting, attended by individuals with knowledge of the event, aimed to understand why the left's substantial investment in digital media did not translate into electoral success. Semafor's Max Tani reported that Democratic strategists and digital content creators are now formulating their next steps.

Among the participants were Tara McGowan of Courier Newsroom and executives from Crooked Media. The summit served as a networking opportunity, connecting prominent Democratic donors with liberal media organizations seeking to reclaim lost digital ground. Discussions centered on regaining credibility and building a network of influencers to effectively communicate their message.

The report highlights Democrats' concern over the shift from online dominance during the Obama era to their current struggle to keep pace with the resurgent online right, particularly in the podcasting realm. The perceived slow response to changes implemented by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk further exacerbated their frustration.

Powell Jobs, a significant Democratic donor, has supported numerous high-profile candidates and organizations over the years. Her close relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris has also been noted, with some describing her as one of Harris's key financial backers.

The Atlantic did not immediately respond to a request for comment.