Why YouTubers stood for Mayor of London

Niko Omilana and Max Fosh are two prominent KZbinrs who stood to be Mayor of London in the 2021 election. In a field of 20 candidates they used their campaigns to create a series of KZbin videos, which they monetised using adverts.
BBC London’s Jamie Moreland explores whether the internet influencers were simply pursuing clicks or if they were genuinely trying to shake up mainstream politics.
(Thumbnail photo: James Manning)
Subscribe here: bit.ly/2Gd18gB
More about Max: www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-engl...
More about Niko: www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-engl...
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[@bbclondon]

Subscribe here: bit.ly/2Gd18gB More about Niko: www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-56774102 More about Max: www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-56773655

[@ForeverF1]

Hmmmm

[@ForeverF1]

Here before the conflict 😂

[@pgre]

.

[@your-cara]

Lolll

[@lionnelskyfn8295]

Shush

[@wildshrimp4819]

Niko: rejects bbc after they rejected him BBC: niko is just another corrupt politician

[@JBG-AjaxzeMedia]

@@wildshrimp4819 and he said he's a follower of both channels hmmm yeh sure mate lol

[@wildshrimp4819]

@@JBG-AjaxzeMedia this journalist needs to do his job better.

[@EasyLemons]

haha bbc rager mager

[@ashishpohwani3153]

exactly everyone should dislike the vid

[@ashishpohwani3153]

@@wildshrimp4819 wasn't Niko's vid uploaded later than this vid

[@tomarnott8324]

They didn’t use politics to boost their youtube, they used their youtube to boost politics

[@michaelsanju12]

Exactly

[@shllakuandi]

Exactly

[@Potatoarmy12]

agreed

[@salty_kenz5080]

facts

[@FmfieldtownFC]

No it was a publicity stunt

[@weaboo8141]

Is this real? BBC actually crawling back to Niko for an interview and is rejected, my word lmao.

[@meanmeng1950]

BBC took a L

[@remcon559]

I think it makes sense. The BBC interviews on important topics and famous people. At the time Niko when Niko asked for an interview he was not very known (outside of youtube). The BBC can't just interview any random person that asks for it. Now after he got 5th it makes sense to interview him.

[@nicce_4393]

@@remcon559 this comment is so poor

[@remcon559]

@@nicce_4393 Good argument

[@XMysticHerox]

@@remcon559 The BBC has interviewed plenty of way less famous and relevant people.

[@greenpeasaregreen8499]

Niko waiting outside bbc for an interview Now Bbc trying to call Niko for an interview

[@Yahyawashere23]

How does this comment have no replies?

[@Xtreme-yb9yo]

@@Yahyawashere23 i mean the most anyone can really respond is "yeah i guess so"

[@OfficialSuperMKG]

@@Xtreme-yb9yo Or maybe it's because there are multiple comments like this one

[@pixelbanan2912]

Yeah

[@pooey]

Yeah I guess so

[@raheem1841]

BBC: Niko is using the election to boost his channel Also BBC: uses Niko to boost their channel

[@justsomeminers9385]

Oh yea ahahah lol

[@reroll5523]

GOT EM

[@Saarim-Salim]

eh

[@asap2334]

say it louder!

[@deaconthe3rd]

The circle of life

[@basedmario173]

Nikos intentions aren't unclear bro, he told you why he ran. Vibes

[@MrSudanPresident]

Exactly they are all Shmucks

[@jeremysmith8035]

He also lied about the bbc not wanting to interview him, should make a good politician

[@samlal3618]

They would have made a terrible mayor, you need at least some political experience I guess they wanted to boost their popularity 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@nadz5286]

they just dont take us serious ITS OUTRAGEOUS

[@phantom8699]

@@jeremysmith8035 they wanted to interview him after the election lmaoo

[@solar6063]

The fact niko just denied them but they have to play it off as if he didn’t reply

[@luxid413]

.

[@MaryamKamaly08]

It’s because they rejected him first

[@itshars]

Niko(in his video): BBC didn't give me an interview when I wanted and I'm not giving one when they needed. BBC: Hmm.... Niko's intentions are unclear!

[@ridwanayomide3440]

lmaoo ONG bbc is clapped

[@MHK_Hilal]

harshal OOOO SPIITTING Nothoing BUT FACTZZZZ

[@xgunnerplaystwo2412]

Ironic that Niko tried many times to get an interview with the BBC but they weren’t keen, and now they’re trying to call him but can’t get through.

[@benardo01]

They did give him one

[@xgunnerplaystwo2412]

@@benardo01 I literally said “they weren’t keen” not “they didn’t give him one”

[@benardo01]

@@xgunnerplaystwo2412 my bad

[@xgunnerplaystwo2412]

@@benardo01 it’s fine it wasn’t the best wording anyway

[@samjesus8]

pretty much a karma moment for the BBC, they screwed up and they paid the price

[@farahnaz2243]

BBC: Why are u standing for London mayor? Niko: We're doing it for the vibes BBC: *I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that*

[@shahzebiftikhar8214]

Lovely profile picture ❤️

[@farahnaz2243]

@@shahzebiftikhar8214 jazakallah

[@LLabz]

Lol

[@jimmmy7680]

Do you really think that that is a uhm reason? Or a cause??? If u do then wow lmao

[@stubones]

They pretended they didn't hear saville or bashir either.

[@DragonG]

Niko has singlehandedly gotten the biggest ever W

[@IgnacioBlades]

DragonG!

[@DragonG]

@@IgnacioBlades Ignacio!

[@blizzard1198]

Omni w

[@rambobambo3535]

Lmao

[@PinkyplaysYT]

yoooo the hive community here

[@nnemrac]

should’ve interviewed him when he first asked instead of making him wait outside !!

[@santanzotss]

Exactly

[@thuyptht]

He stood there for over 2h

[@main8451]

Lmao

[@artlover282]

Niko can't just demand an interview whenever he feels like it. Niko acted like a Entitled little prick tbh...

[@user-ye2rr8vp9w]

@@artlover282 ✋🏼Shush 🤫

[@fobby3283]

Wow, your making Niko look like he is using politics for KZbin but he is using KZbin for politics.

[@dpk2502]

and this vid has views cause of Niko in the title

[@afonsoveiga3311]

mate what did he do for politics by runnyng for mayor?

[@fobby3283]

@@afonsoveiga3311 Your definitely a spy for the BBC😅

[@origami234]

@@afonsoveiga3311 literally look at the views on this video compared to BBCs other videos uploaded around the same time

[@Tom-qb1rj]

Both are using politics for views

[@LiyangHU]

I refuse to believe that the BBC refused to be interviewed by the BBC.

[@starlee4077]

I didn't get u... 😕

[@starlee4077]

@The Dao guess so...

[@starlee4077]

@The Dao true... I had know idea it was bot... Thx tho..

[@starlee4077]

@The Dao oh.... That's good to know! U were really helpful.... Well I guess I made a new friend online!

[@starlee4077]

@The Dao that's right! The nation actually doesn't matter.... It was good knowing abt bots on online platforms, thx for that! If u don't mind can I know where your from?

[@ShenDoodles]

Max seems like a nice and genuine guy. He's not a politician, but his goal was noble.

[@ShenDoodles]

@@90secondsofaviation86 I'm not too short on British seeing as I live in Scotland, but I'll check him out anyway. Thanks for the recommendation, you too, Nicolas.

[@WalkingPaceWP]

Met him one night. He was a friend of a friend and seemed like such a sound guy.

[@dwizz4391]

But niko isn’t? You stink torrie

[@shadowtech8113]

On the other hand we have niko 😂

[@ShenDoodles]

@@dwizz4391 I couldn't tell if Niko had anything other than himself in mind when he ran.

[@soonnah9521]

This is so embarrassing on behalf of the BBC, Niko legit WANTED an interview and was refused. But the fact he made a major impact had BBC come crawling out of their biased cave to suddenly demand an interview and act surprised that Niko didn't give them one.

[@oElmer]

fair point ngl

[@bigestbot]

first Niko struggled to get a BBC interview and now they cant get one with him

[@irislander6020]

how the turn tables...

[@winnie8516]

@@irislander6020 yup, the turn really does tables

[@jacobberry6267]

@@winnie8516 mfw the turn tables

[@fatgusbigbob2046]

@@irislander6020 *How the tables have turned.

[@keyenzo7344]

@@fatgusbigbob2046 r/whooos

[@ayshaalom3125]

He said niko instead of neeko He learnt his lesson

[@gokuuchiha39]

Hehe 😜 😂

[@suyeshjharwal7836]

Bro niko is pronounced nee-ko just search it. British accent truly changes it.

[@bobmiah]

@@suyeshjharwal7836 british accent is the normal accent for english Its all the other accents that changed it

[@_Blu-jay]

Niko is short for nikolas and yet everyone still calls him neeko glad they finally got his name right

[@benshattock4945]

@@suyeshjharwal7836 It can be pronounced both ways but he goes by ‘Niko’ not ‘Neeko’

[@NickwBush]

Max's reasoning 0:52 Niko's reasoning 2:43 BBC twisting the narrative yet again 3:55

[@nicholasbarnes1362]

Typical media, they make up their own narrative to push before they even start interviewing or getting any facts lol

[@paulbenis5876]

And they wonder why less and less people are paying attention to the media, thats why they had to use Niko in the thumbnail cos they're desperate for views😂

[@spiko-ou3bp]

That's perfect 😂😂😂

[@motherisape]

Very well summarized

[@BossBoss-dz9gk]

Niko literally said he's doing it for the vibes lol.

[@lovesmusic634]

Be don't give a sh!! Lol fav youtuber %100

[@loturzelrestaurant]

@@lovesmusic634 Major or Not, we really need someone who watches YT-Videos or is ready to discuss them, as Politician. Imagine how high the Unionization would shoot-up from its current terribly-low 10%, if he''d do a Shout-out now that he's a famous KZbinr. Lifes would literally be saved if he did such an amazing Shout-OUt for the Workerclass. Worker-Struggles would go down if the Coverage of it that 'Some More News' and 'Second Thought' are praised for, would become mainstream. BOth also covered Climate Change, but ont as good as Hbomberguy and UpisNotJump. Again: Seeing how Knowledge is Key and keeping the average people updated and telling the workers and normal-dudes whats up, could legit make a massive difference.

[@simchirubenstein8316]

The irony, the BBC are clearly using youtubers to boost their own channel 😬

[@jacobberry6267]

no

[@abdiabdi7321]

@@jacobberry6267 yes

[@quesi1338]

@@jacobberry6267 this is literally what they are doing

[@jacobberry6267]

@@abdiabdi7321 that argument could be used for any news they've ever posted plus the BBC is a bit bigger than this guy

[@TrollProductionsMC]

@@jacobberry6267 Same applies the other way for BBC claiming he used politics to boost his fame? Niko is 100% much bigger than this BBC London channel.

[@andrewkirkland1452]

As long as Lawrence Fox was annoyed it was worth it LOL

[@wizstorm172]

yeah sure it was lmao

[@xx_thelordandsaviour69_xx81]

Honestly im surprised there isnt an internet argument about this in the reply section already

[@Autogenification]

@@xx_thelordandsaviour69_xx81 give it a couple of days and the anti-mask Fox sheeple will come through, spoons in their mouths chasing after the next shiny object haha

[@Jazzfunkmaster]

@@Autogenification The same way Laurence Fox chases after literally anything to desperately try and stay relevant aha

[@Angela-tg3ol]

if bbc really did their research they would understand why niko didn't pick up calls from the bbc

[@tusharbhudia9421]

They know, they won't say it lol

[@Lukas-jq4vw]

"They're just doing for the views" I hate people that think this way

[@carpetjuise]

And they had the audacity to show a clip of Niko saying "We did it for the vibes" in the beginning lmaoo what frauds

[@motherisape]

Yeah they have bad humar

[@matttheminecrafter6226]

I don’t hate them but there kinda uncool.

[@megagio1604]

This is like English lit all over again. Reading into something that isn’t there

[@donjosue1000]

That's absolutely hilarious 🤣🤣👌🏾

[@nixonk2269]

Cold

[@joshuaroberts8141]

Damn that's deep

[@AboveVenus1]

english teachers who love Shakespeare are burning at you rn

[@batzar1238]

So true 😭

[@somerandomgirlwithafrenchm3815]

Bruh i can only imagine Niko in a year or two making public announcements on national TV with his lil kid glasses.

[@daynvfx]

lol

[@deroque759]

When i first saw this comment i though it was a old comment i did lol The edit was for a typo

[@jameshambis]

The fact that Niko got nearly 50,000 votes should be enough to get alarm bells ringing for the main political parties...... Good on Niko 💪🏼

[@domtheomnic]

What a poor journalist not looking into Niko properly this is why we hate the media

[@IshowSongNames]

Yup

[@Electrifyyy]

*Niko says why he ran* This video: We don't know why Niko ran

[@Anas0312780]

FOR THE VIBESSSS

[@INFINITY-oe4is]

Niko is a genius! He is using wit and comedic value to show how much a joke politics really is.

[@louismaher7232]

Lol

[@MyToranja]

It's not that groundbreaking of a move, that's been done for a very long time. I still remember some of Stephen Colbert bits during the 2012 Presidential run for the US, and when Herman Cain quoted the Pokemon intro in one speech (still not sure if he was a serious candidate at the time). During London's Mayoral run, you had Count Binface which has been around for some time now.

[@mr.shepherdspie7958]

I agree. Politics now is basically a joke, and I think he was trying to point that out. But he also believes politics is important, and is trying to get more people involved with it which I think is pretty important. You can't have a good democracy without good people.

[@motherisape]

Only person who seriously understands him . This is exact comment I was trying to find

[@shreyasmg4983]

It’s funny how the BBC was so eager to make negative assumptions about NIKO becoming the guy refused to talk to them, whitest them being so incredibly hesitant to even give him a change to be interviewed a few months ago. This opportunist hypocrisy is hilarious.

[@dylanhickman1811]

I feel like niko showed the politicians that just advertising right and pushing the young you can become 5th in the election. It showed a new audience to pay attention to and focus on

[@Ronakvevo]

I think that's the main message and considering the youth can actually help gain votes from an demographic who are not fixated on one party.

[@hackzzz8714]

Sooo more ads right?

[@Ronakvevo]

@@hackzzz8714 more policies that benefit young people and more actions taken when they do get elected

[@samuraiboi2735]

Well niko has like literally made alot and also made tons of views too so i guess niko has a higher chance of winning

[@remcon559]

Well he did have one advantage which was his huge audience, as in people that already watched him. But yes I get the point

[@nadarajahyoganathan1024]

That interviewer ain’t doing piss all to help clean that car lol

[@amjadtiseker1481]

I don't even think there was water involved in that car "cleaning"

[@Ronakvevo]

It's like having a drink with a mate but not drinking anything out of your glass.

[@riyaa6883]

Why are they painting niko out to be the bad guy 👁👁

[@ethanbutler7866]

Someone has to be the bad guy, that's how the media works.

[@bencharles4459]

He kind of was. Max did a much better job of running for mayor as a KZbinr but was overshadowed by Niko who's video series felt like a rushed job and I didn't find as entertaining. More importantly he does make KZbinrs running for mayor look a tad worse with his generally reckless and random content in contrast with Max.

[@A1un9ine]

@@bencharles4459 hahahahaha next joke “Ben”

[@TheEyesThrone]

@@gonzbergtv it's because he's black

[@ishouldntbegivenaccesstoth6511]

@@gonzbergtv it’s because he’s back that was intentional

[@officialyoudes]

Finally, they have pronounced his name correctly.

[@panic._aep]

Yeah

[@cavaridrodid0924]

Politicians use democracy for personal gain for centuries: All good KZbinrs use democracy for personal gain once: No, you can't do that

[@santanzotss]

Your logic can get you in trouble with the FBI😭

[@sebby324]

They know nothing about politics

[@Friendly_G]

He didnt use it for his own gain.

[@motherisape]

It's not personal gain . He did it for vibes

[@motherisape]

@@Friendly_G exactly

[@elizahamilton5337]

bbc: pronounces nikos name right *and everyone liked that*

[@Lacha1]

The relation between this and Waldo Moment from Black Mirror is ridiculous.

[@ibidibi1]

Black mirror has basically predicted the future

[@w.angel17]

BROO i didn’t even notice that until i just read ur comment omg 😭😭

[@elvishbeatle7307]

Ohh that’s so truee

[@maikwouters2415]

People vote nowadays on who is being pushed on the media so waldo is just to show it

[@princevegeta9763]

@Billy Jackson Take your tinfoil hat off mate.

[@Andrew36597]

I’m fairly certain in both cases it’s to show the absurdity of the political system, both of them knew they never stood a chance but that wasn’t the point. It’s the same with the raving loony party

[@ayushmanrajawat2828]

You mean the democratic system?

[@venkataadityavardhanpatnan2411]

Normal politicians: We do it to help the people and the city, we want to make it a better place. Our boy Niko: FOR THE VIBES!!!!

[@montelllouis4691]

They got Niko’s name right 👏🏾👏🏾😂

[@Mushy0]

😂

[@aidahtettey1622]

Finnaly

[@lilsxmi7332]

They learnt their lesson

[@jkkjkkas]

He's a man of integrity, he gave to itv his interview because they believed in him from the beginning!! What a man. How did he say no to bbc !! Greatest human being alive 👍

[@ahwhite]

Those two guys aren’t washing the car: talking and holding sponges near a car instead

[@adudenamedfitzherbert619]

niko got the biggest w of all time and didn’t even win bloody legend

[@chiomamadu2536]

Niko’s intentions were not unclear. He told you why he did it. For vibes

[@nadarajahyoganathan1024]

Sheeeeeesh

[@lilsxmi7332]

Copied comment

[@diadiaa892]

Tbh Niko was joking so much bc he was shedding a light on how unserious politics can be (in the public’s eye). Plus, i think whole his comedy did make him see unserious, it was very engaging to watch - great for most of us young ppl who find old people talking about politics quite boring

[@patrickgrady7505]

So basically like Eddie Murphy in The Distinguished Gentleman when he was running for a seat at the Senate.

[@diadiaa892]

@@patrickgrady7505 i have no clue what you’re talking about lol. Ik he’s a comedian - but sure yeah, why not

[@itzollierowley]

That’s so tragic, niko said no to interviews so they got another KZbinr

[@bertaroo]

Max Fosh announced his run first he is not just another KZbin and how is it tragic to just choose another candidate

[@amelia-jd3vy]

Bruh max fosh is great too

[@cam894re9]

Niko really trolled the whole of London

[@MayankJairaj]

I'll come back later when comment section is spicy

[@JoeKolo]

Come back

[@gstakktransport5227]

It definitely is now, wakey wakey

[@ajmma499]

full of angry karens

[@jeshurun9460]

Can we just appreciate the fact that the Max Fosh interview was done while he was washing his car, classic

[@chhavikochhar2123]

woth a dry sponge

[@Turalcar]

Max's idea for Tasklife wasn't so silly after all

[@varunharpale8660]

Brve niko probably boosted uk politics more then it boosted his internet following 😂

[@TheIronArmenianakaGIHaigs]

I can’t wait for the next election, I bet there will be a Vtuber running 😂

[@acatwithinternetaccess4583]

First reply

[@acatwithinternetaccess4583]

Hey

[@archtower8564]

In France it would be La Vtuber Revolution.

[@samhughes099]

😐

[@joeyblox3709]

@@samhughes099 stfu

[@BlobBob]

Niko’s intentions: getting more people to wear the epic glasses

[@shouryajain8847]

How dare you misspell Niko's name

[@laaibahhx]

how could u spell his name like that..kmt

[@dripzxy9762]

NIKON? shame on you bro

[@BlobBob]

@@dripzxy9762 IM SO SORRY FARTHER I SHALL CHANGE IT

[@BlobBob]

@@laaibahhx IT WAS WRONG OF ME TO DO THAT

[@mahamghulam1513]

Niko literally takes life for what it is...a joke, i aspire to be like this man

[@bendeller2602]

@Mr. M ok

[@mahamghulam1513]

@Mr. M I just meant that he doesn’t take things so seriously how most people do in life, even in serious situations he’s having fun. What your saying is a separate topic

[@wernerdesouza9673]

@Mr. M okay

[@mahamghulam1513]

@Mr. M ok..?😂 i will use the word “literally” 10 times if i want to, you sound silly getting triggered over a word at someone you don’t even know.

[@ilhamabdi755]

@mr.m facts

[@RelaxationPleasantMusic]

Niko did favour on Politics by running for Mayor This vid got views bc of Niko on the Title

[@MikeWillSee]

Did you read the title?

[@MikeWillSee]

@Hello Oreo yeah but the comment says title 🤷‍♂️

[@xavierglover5919]

Niko: asks many times to be interviewed during elections BBC: ignores him Also BBC: asks to interview him only after the elections are over Niko: WTF guys

[@mohammadzaid7854]

BBC tryna play cool after getting trolled

[@anakshan]

It’s just sad how literally everyone else tries to shut these young people out. “Used the election as a vehicle for their videos”

[@MrAzboGaming]

That’s literally all they did 😂 Did he have any policy? Nope. Did they have any polical background? Nope They did it to get clicks out of literal children

[@gstakktransport5227]

@@MrAzboGaming Maybe niko as he does a lot of stunts for his KZbin channel, but max fosh genuinely wanted to make more young people be involved in political matters

[@sugarr_coat]

@@MrAzboGaming Niko planned this for years. and yea he did this for the vibes stay mad

[@ginnybayliss2885]

@@MrAzboGaming not every political statement has to be explicit. This is fundamentally no different from the monster raving loony party, who similarly have no genuine policies or credible candidates and yet their existence is a deeply political comment on our democratic system, media perception etc. I'm not necessarily saying it wasn't for views, but non-conformism is a statement in itself.

[@miss.antidote]

thats all they did it for...

[@UnknownUnknown-nd6ho]

Reporters:What’s your political position KZbinrs:To engage people to vote Reporters:Anyway what’s your political position and how much are you making

[@gencox1107]

I dont think the people behind this watched any of max' videos because he made his points very clear and the unraveling of fox was a worthy cause. Also making it out that somehow they were disingenuous for entering and boosting youtube views clearly ignores every businessman who's entered politics and made a lot of money

[@Awaitingonyouall]

did it for the vibes 💀

[@Mushy0]

10 years ago?

[@darinito9174]

Problem is it still says 20 hours ago on the right but most people would get confused by seeing 10 years ago first.

[@akwaugo8566]

Confused me with the ten years ago 😂😂😂

[@imachunt653]

Vibes, and knife crime😂😂

[@HarrowNigga]

@@imachunt653 why knife crime just curious

[@leahlester2620]

Shuuush

[@r4y4npl4yz2]

Lol

[@wallnut5910]

Ur Mum

[@r4y4npl4yz2]

@@wallnut5910 😐

[@rorysampson5492]

@@wallnut5910 shush you shmuck

[@iangomes6937]

Niko) I want young people to have a voice And creates a whole website for it BBC) after not getting a interview He's doing it for financial gains

[@alex-ju2bd]

Niko*

[@nyx_AUs]

You guys just salty because you didn't get the interview with him

[@zain9476]

Meanwhile you used their names to boost your own views on this video.. sounds a little hypocritical mate

[@thwales2520]

It's a news company what the hell did you expect? For them not to report on these types of stories which give them views lmao every news agency does it

[@user-pm7tp3ot7n]

@@thwales2520 but i would never have clicked on this if niko wasn't in the thumbnail

[@_JohnDoe]

@@user-pm7tp3ot7n, it's a video about why KZbinrs stood for Mayor of London. Two KZbinrs stood and so, the two are featured in the thumbnail. What do you propose they should have put in the thumbnail instead?

[@user-pm7tp3ot7n]

@@_JohnDoe im not talking about the actual vid or what they should change the thumbnail 2. all i said is if it wasn't for niko i would've never clicked on this. what part of that confused u

[@_JohnDoe]

@@user-pm7tp3ot7n, what are you disagreeing with *TH Gaming Wales* about then, if you do not disagree with the video or its thumbnail?

[@oliverharris6116]

Were those sponges even wet?

[@pgre]

No

[@yungbailey6985]

Smucks

[@lets_wrapitup]

I was going to say a joke but not anymore lol

[@alfredyt]

From one BBC to another BBC

[@sharks2571]

Max had much more of a clear focus for being part of the race. Beat a racist and get more youth to vote. If niko had a serious intention it was very subtle, and just seemed more like a joke

[@maiqtheliar7552]

They both had the intention of pushing young people into politics and to vote. I mean most politicians are 45-50+. Their ideals are lost in our world, we should have more younger people to represent

[@sharks2571]

@@maiqtheliar7552 yes, young people should very much be encouraged to vote.... for good candidates. There are many excellent young politicians around the world, however this example, of two completely unqualified candidates who would be terrible in office, may set a concerning precedent. Even if young people like their content, this is only a subset of the Youth vote anyway, and liking content and policy are vastly different (see Donald trump). The issue with having charasmatic youtubers and celebrities as candidates is that it is possible that they split and water down the vote. Biden was initially one of the less favoured candidates in the democratic primary in 2019/20, however so many moderates (Harris, Gabbard, Klobachar, Buttigieg, Yang etc) were running, that they all split the moderate democratic vote, so that even though Biden was not too popular, he won the primary. This is also how Arnold Swazerneger became governor of california, and what could happen with Caitlyn Jenner is Gavin Newsom gets recalled. If in future elections we have youtubers running, appealing to the youth vote, who generally vote left leaning, in a tight election, they may take votes that would have otherwise gone to a prominent left wing candidate, resulting in a loss and less representation for young people. This is why although it seems funny, these candidacies have to be incredibly well considered so as they aren't dangerous. Max had a clear purpose- to get young people to vote, but mainly to show up a racist. He told people to vote, but he specifically told them not to vote for him. Even though I generally like max and the way he went about it, I'm still conflicted because of the potential negative reprocussions . Niko on the other hand specifically wanted peoples votes for his campaign, and all the youth vote talk seems more an afterthought . If the race had been tight, this could have meant that Nikos young, and presumably mostly left wing audience could have tipped the election and be left with a torie mayor. This was very unlikely in this case, however now it is very likely that other youtubers will take this idea and run with it, and no sane person wants a mayor Jake Paul

[@aaroneus5479]

Which racist did he beat?

[@sharks2571]

@@aaroneus5479 the intention was to beat Lawrence Fox, who is widely viewed as a racist and uses racist dog whistles very frequently. He didn't actually beat fox though

[@aaroneus5479]

@@sharks2571 ahh, yeah. He'd never win in London anyway

[@charliehinde1701]

They did it for the same reason Count Binface exists: to allow the people to have a voice who feel every candidate doesn't represent them and is going to be useless. To vote for them is to say you'd rather not vote at all, it's a very important position and I'm glad to see 3 people were given for this choice

[@jaxonmcalley]

If 60% of Londoners didn't want to vote for any "proper" politicians and they all decided to pick Count BinFace instead, that would be a total disaster.

[@presentmalone]

Last time I checked you needed water to wash a car?

[@presentmalone]

@Ben Ticehurst with a sponge?

[@phiakate]

That's how my neighbour 'washes' her car when she is being nosey

[@iamnotyourmate]

This guy is literally scratching Max Fosh's car rip the paint

[@RedMemesALot]

Niko went from using BBC for clickbait to BBC using him for clickbait

[@user-ht3sw1lj9e]

NIKOS GONNA DESTORY THEM FOR THIS😂

[@charliekeeling6035]

Glad max fosh wasn’t forgotten about this

[@alexhouse9721]

“How much money did you make”. You wouldn’t ask any other celebrity that

[@ethandalton6480]

You wouldn't ask anyone in any other profession that.

[@kaydenahmed]

KZbin rewind: Finally a worthy opponent

[@zt2019]

What an odd narrative framing niko in this way... my man stated clearly in videos that he wants more young people to vote and be represented. Of course he’s not a serious politician and the campaign helped him make good videos but that’s the same for Max? How can man say at the end of the video “with nikos intentions still unclear” and insinuate earlier he’s in it only for monetary gain.

[@zt2019]

“As a follower of both channels I wanted to find out why niko was really running” if you watched his videos you’d know 😫

[@zubaidayusuf]

periodttt

[@juicesauce5672]

Because if you want young people to be represented more then act as a joke candidate as he did, it's just counter productive.

[@zt2019]

@@juicesauce5672 it might be counter productive for his ‘political career’ making himself look like a joke in the politics world, but on KZbin his videos about it have been engaging and certainly inspiring to young people, hence his surprisingly high vote count. He gets the young people in the door and they can make up their mind who they want to support 👍🏽

[@juicesauce5672]

@@zt2019 it's not just counter productive for his political career. His point was that he wanted more representation for young people in politics, but also did it as a joke. How do you think people are going to respond to young people in politics in the future after this?

[@yeshnavale]

he did it for Vibez

[@H_4_D]

LESSS GO!!!!

[@CodeSOS]

Niko giving BBC the taste of their own medicine 😂

[@ethankoh6851]

If Max became mayor, he'd probably start exploiting loopholes

[@jamiejenkins9096]

I think Niko actually did show the importance of gaining support from the younger people. With the campaign like his he still came 5th. That shows that clearly there are a number of people who lack someone who they feel is worth voting. At least that’s how I see his campaign went

[@irrelevance3859]

Agreed

[@ani1776]

So true

[@DamianBrown]

Is this an A-level project?

[@captainric2364]

I like how the interviewer started cleaning Max Foshs' car with him. Nice guy you know

[@Lydia-ky3xu]

why are they washing a car without water

[@ej-945]

Finally the BBC saying niko's name right

[@janekwa]

Fish fash fosh, let's take London to the max! Max has a great heart and a great mind, hope he gets the recognition he deserves here on out!

[@dwite6048]

good to see the bbc sticking to their tradition of totally missing the point

[@bajojajoenjoyer17]

Niko did it for the vibes

[@jawlig]

Typical traditional media, approaching youtubers with scepticism and portraying them negatively. You are dead. Shush.

[@lordofreality]

Sell the BBC

[@trashatgames4060]

To be fair they where pretty respectfull to max

[@jawlig]

@@trashatgames4060 Even with Max, they suggested it was for clout only, being nosey with finances, they've always approached influencers this way.

[@lukanetteand_marichat_ship486]

Yasss the classic “tell Boris Johnson to shush”

[@KyCandicee]

I LOLed when this appeared on the 6pm news 😂

[@Dont-At-Me]

He is a BBC

[@jamaalvibes]

Nah Niko for mayor!!!

[@kingoofda1stkingoofda1st58]

So a youtuber that pranks workers for doing their job for mayor?

[@jamaalvibes]

@@kingoofda1stkingoofda1st58 yes!

[@expurplechiaotzu]

@@kingoofda1stkingoofda1st58 yes

[@544d]

This is literally like the 7th most viewed video on the channel gives you an idea of who is using who for views

[@PommacX]

Niko's lack of response to BBC, post election - *translated*: "Shush"

[@joeykoch5664]

This video should just be him saying : "He did it for the memes and loves that people will over analyse it".

[@Relax4now]

When BBC was on Niko’s shoes now, and waiting for him to answer their call.

[@Zipperdipperrrrr]

Niko next time for mayor

[@Advil26]

Its funny how this video has more views than the maypr debate itself 🤣

[@MaxAigner]

The Interviewer seems to dislike Niko as he got pranked by Niko in the process :D :D