Jordi Wild to Interview Four Presidential Candidates Before Spanish Elections
The popular podcaster promises rigorous questioning for all candidates, with special focus on the incumbent.
1Historic Podcast Political Series
Jordi Wild, host of The Wild Project, is set to interview four Spanish presidential candidates ahead of the upcoming elections. The series features Ada Colau, Santiago Abascal, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, and Pedro Sánchez. These episodes will be released on November 13, marking the official start of the national election campaign period.
2Format and Duration Rules
Each interview will last between 60 and 90 minutes to ensure parity among all candidates. Wild rejected requests for shorter 40-minute sessions, insisting on a standardized timeframe. He aims to move beyond superficial promotional talk, allowing for a more profound exploration of the candidates' psychological profiles and their proposed political agendas.
3Focus on the Incumbent
Wild explicitly stated that while he intends to be tough with all participants, he will be particularly rigorous with Pedro Sánchez. As the leader who has governed for eight years, Sánchez faces higher scrutiny regarding his management record. Wild emphasizes that this approach is based on accountability rather than any personal animosity.
4Digital Audience vs Television
The podcast reaches a massive audience of 31.3 million followers across social media platforms. This digital reach significantly dwarfs traditional television metrics, where Sánchez’s recent record-breaking interview on La 1 averaged 4.3 million viewers. Wild’s platform represents a shift in how political discourse is consumed by younger and digital-native demographics.
5Fact-Checking Mechanism Included
To maintain accuracy during the long-form discussions, Wild has integrated a real-time fact-checking team. Two researchers will be present behind the scenes with laptops to verify claims. If necessary, they are authorized to intervene and provide corrections, ensuring that the dialogue remains grounded in verifiable facts rather than empty political slogans.
6Avoiding 'Massage' Interviews
Wild has promised that these sessions will not be 'massage interviews' designed to flatter the guests. He intends to push candidates out of their comfort zones by asking difficult questions about their performance and policies. His goal is to provide an entertaining yet intellectually stimulating experience for his vast, diverse audience.
7Political Stance and Philosophy
Self-described as a non-dogmatic progressive liberal, Wild rejects the current trend of political polarization. He advocates for dialogue and compromise, criticizing the 'us versus them' mentality prevalent in modern politics. He maintains a libertarian economic view while remaining socially progressive, often mocking the performative nature of contemporary internet-based political discourse.
8The Search for Intellectual Depth
The podcast has evolved from its early days to include scientists, historians, and technical experts. Wild expresses frustration with the simplification of knowledge into social media soundbites. By bringing technical experts onto his show, he attempts to foster a deeper understanding of complex topics like biology, physics, and modern history.
9Context of the Election
The interviews occur during a tense political climate, exacerbated by recent national tragedies like the Urda train accident. Wild believes such events impact voter sentiment more than any single interview could. Despite the high stakes, he remains skeptical that his podcast alone will determine the final outcome of the national election.
10Professionalism Amidst Criticism
Wild has previously faced criticism for his political commentary, but he maintains a neutral stance during his events. For instance, he once requested that an audience stop chanting insults at Pedro Sánchez during a live tournament. He insists on keeping his professional events separate from the political toxicity found elsewhere.
11Balancing Fame and Privacy
Despite his massive online presence, Wild claims there is little difference between his public persona and his private life. He describes himself as a naturally cheerful person who enjoys dark humor and self-deprecation. He views his work as a way to connect with his audience while maintaining his personal integrity.
12Future of the Podcast
Following this political series, The Wild Project will return to its standard format of featuring scientists, influencers, and historians. Wild has no interest in transitioning into a permanent political commentator. He views this project as a unique, one-time historical milestone for internet media rather than a shift in his career.