Rich Lowry

The media hyperventilation and progressive outrage over American Eagle’s denim ad campaign with Sydney Sweeney only demonstrates how thoroughly out-of-touch modern cultural critics have become. Rich breaks down how American Eagle utilized a time-tested, classic marketing formula—reminiscent of iconic campaigns featuring Brooke Shields and Cindy Crawford—by selling aspiration, beauty, and pop-culture appeal rather than political activism or corporate posturing. Unpacking how left-wing commentators absurdly framed a lighthearted play on words between "jeans" and "genes" as something sinister, Rich explains why American Eagle's refusal to apologize marks a refreshing return to cultural sanity and effective commercial advertising. Watch Rich’s full breakdown, leave your reaction below, and subscribe to National Review!