In a significant development for her campaign, Kamala Harris is garnering support from young voters, thanks in part to the endorsement of pop singer Charli XCX. This support is further amplified by the embrace of various memes that have been circulating about the Vice President.
Just hours after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the campaign and endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination, Charli XCX took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express her support, posting “kamala IS brat.” The post quickly went viral, amassing over 10 million views and around 200,000 likes.
Charli XCX’s Endorsement and Its Impact
The Harris campaign was quick to welcome Charli XCX’s endorsement. They even changed the profile picture on the Kamala HQ X feed to match the green background and lettering style of Charli XCX’s “Brat” album cover. This move was aimed at resonating with the younger demographic who are fans of the singer.
The “Brat” Phenomenon
Charli XCX released her “Brat” album on June 7. Following its release, the term “brat” has become a cultural phenomenon among her fans. In a TikTok video, Charli XCX explained what being a “brat” means:
- A person who is a bit messy and enjoys partying.
- Someone who occasionally says things without thinking.
- A person who is self-confident but may have moments of vulnerability.
- Someone who is blunt, honest, and sometimes volatile.
The viral connection between Harris and the “Brat” album skyrocketed on Sunday. Fans created videos combining clips of Harris with songs from the album, and even remixes featuring audio of Harris speaking. This blend of politics and pop culture has created a unique buzz around Harris’s campaign.
Memes and Their Role in the Campaign
Memes have played a significant role in Harris’s campaign, particularly those referencing a speech she gave on May 10, 2023. In the speech, she recalled her mother asking, “Do you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” While Republicans have used this clip to mock Harris, her supporters have embraced it.
The Coconut Tree Meme
The coconut tree meme gained new momentum with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis showing his support by posting emojis of a coconut, a palm tree, and an American flag. This simple yet effective show of support has resonated with many voters.
The Role of Social Media in Political Campaigns
Social media platforms like X and TikTok are increasingly becoming essential tools for political campaigns. They offer a way to reach younger demographics who may not engage with traditional media.
The Power of Viral Content
Viral posts, such as Charli XCX’s endorsement of Kamala Harris, can significantly impact a campaign. These posts can reach millions of people in a short amount of time, creating a buzz that traditional media outlets may struggle to match.
Engaging Younger Voters
By embracing viral content and memes, the Harris campaign is effectively engaging younger voters. This demographic is crucial for any political campaign, as they represent a significant portion of the electorate.
FAQs
What does “kamala IS brat” mean?
“Kamala IS brat” is a phrase used by Charli XCX to endorse Kamala Harris. The term “brat” is a reference to Charli XCX’s album and describes someone who is a bit messy, likes to party, and is very honest and blunt.
Why did President Joe Biden withdraw from the campaign?
President Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign to endorse Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination. This move was seen as a strategic decision to unify the party.
How has Charli XCX’s endorsement affected Kamala Harris’s campaign?
Charli XCX’s endorsement has brought significant attention to Kamala Harris’s campaign, particularly among younger voters. The endorsement went viral on social media, helping to create a buzz around Harris.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’s campaign has successfully leveraged the power of social media and pop culture to engage younger voters. The endorsement from Charli XCX and the embrace of various memes have created a unique buzz around her campaign. As we move closer to the election, it will be interesting to see how these strategies continue to play out and impact her chances of securing the Democratic nomination.