‘Kamala is brat': Harris' presidential campaign adopts Gen Z Charli XCX meme
What does it mean to call Vice President Kamala Harris a brat? Some Democrats hope it can help draw in younger voters.
In an unexpected turn of events, the term "brat" is being embraced by Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign for the 2024 election, as they adopt a Gen Z Charli XCX meme. But what does it mean to label Harris a "brat," and why are some Democrats optimistic about its potential to engage younger voters?
It all started when pop star Charli XCX took to Twitter, declaring "kamala IS brat." This statement, with its unconventional grammar and lowercase lettering, quickly went viral. By the next day, Harris' campaign had seized the moment, embracing the meme and incorporating it into their social media strategy.
The campaign's Twitter banner mirrored the aesthetic of Charli XCX's latest album, "Brat," with a neon green background and lowercase letters, sparking conversations about "brat summer" among Gen Z. Similar graphics appeared on the Harris campaign's Instagram account, which has become known for its youthful and meme-filled content.
But who exactly is a "brat," according to Charli XCX? In an interview with the BBC, the musician described a "brat" as someone who is authentic, confident, and possesses a rebellious streak. They are true to themselves, even amidst breakdowns and volatile moments, embracing honesty and bluntness.
This unique association with the term "brat" has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among left-leaning social media content creators, who feel reinvigorated about the Democrats' prospects following Biden's withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris. The internet has seen an influx of memes about the vice president, including those involving coconut trees, as Democrats aim to capture the attention and support of young voters.
As Kamala Harris continues to break barriers as the first Black American elected as vice president and the second Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, her campaign's embrace of the "brat" meme showcases a willingness to connect with younger generations on their terms. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will pay off in the 2024 election, but it has certainly added an unexpected twist to the political landscape.