Quote aren't used for highlighting text in the English language, that's considered incorrect usage. The quotes you used are interpreted as what's called "scare quotes" to the majority of people: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scare_quotes

> they were leftists to begin with and created these seemingly neutral apps to push the dem vote.

They are open about the purpose of the apps, to encourage young progressives to vote.

Use italics for that by surrounding them with *.