Kamala Harris catapulted onto the political pedestal to become the anticipated Democratic nominee after President Biden announced his decision to step aside from the election race. President Biden's inability to close the deal with young voters was just one of the several factors that contributed to his departure. However, just 48 hours after President Biden announced he was dropping out and endorsing Harris, 40,000 people registered to vote, 83% of whom were between ages 18 and 34. Harris has managed to raise over $100 million following her campaign launch, and her efforts are resonating with young people across the country. Here's how she's doing it.
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The same clips and cuts once used to criticize Harris have now been transformed into TikTok videos, X memes, and Instagram stories.
"kamala IS brat"
Yes, this is a compliment posted on X on Sunday, July 21st by pop star Charli XCX. “Brat” is both the title of Charli's recently released studio album and, now, a Gen Z summer track flooding TikTok. Earlier this summer, Charli XCX explained on TikTok the definition of “brat”: “that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and, like, maybe says some, like, dumb things sometimes. She, like, feels herself, but then also, like, maybe has a breakdown, but kinda, like, parties through it. It’s very honest, it’s very blunt, a little bit volatile.”
Kamala HQ has leaned into this endorsement by rebranding the header of their X page to a neon green background paired with the words “Kamala HQ” in the style of the BRAT album cover.
Did Kamala Harris Fall Out of a Coconut Tree? 🌴🌴🌴🥥🥥🥥
So what's going on with all the coconuts? This meme originated from Harris' speech in May 2023 at a swearing-in ceremony for commissioners for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. During the speech, Harris stressed that support should extend not only to students, but to families, teachers, and communities as well because “none of us just live in a silo” and proceeded to quote her mother:
“She would say to us, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?’ You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.”
Republicans have used this clip as an exhibit of Harris' unprofessional way of speech, labeling her as “drunk” and “crazy”. But this clip was nothing but entertaining to Gen Z. Several politicians have even latched onto the clip, such as Sen.
Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who posted a photo on X of himself climbing a coconut tree, and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who posted coconut, palm tree, and American flag emojis on X.
Venn Diagrams
“I love Venn diagrams,” Harris said at an event in October 2022. “It's just something about those three circles and the analysis about where there is the intersection, right?”
Republicans have previously mocked Harris for her public obsession with Venn diagrams. Meanwhile, Harris’ campaign seized the opportunity to turn these resurfacing clips into a cultural moment. Her PR team took to X to post its own Venn diagram with “holding Trump accountable” in the intersection of two circles representing the Biden and Harris operations.
Unburdened By What Has Been
The Republican National Committee has shared video compilations of Harris using one of her most common phrases: “unburdened by what has been”. But, once again, Kamala HQ turned the tables, retweeting a screenshot where a user advises former President Trump not to use the phrase due to its popularity with Gen Z.
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Celebrity endorsement
Besides Charli XCX, many other celebrities have thrown their support behind Harris' campaign.
Beyoncé
While Beyoncé has not yet officially endorsed Harris, the superstar did grant approval for Harris' team to use her song "Freedom" during Harris' grand entrance to her campaign headquarters on Monday, July 22nd. According to CNN, the team received the green light for the background music just hours before Harris walked out.
John Legend
Succeeding Biden's withdrawal, singer John Legend showed his support for Harris on Instagram: “She’s ready for this fight and I’m excited to help her in any way I can.”
Cardi B
Prior to Biden's withdrawal, Cardi B called Biden selfish for running for reelection in a livestream. But after everything worked out in her favor and Biden withdrew, the rapper posted on her Instagram: “STOP PLAYING WIT ME!!!! Check the date.. said this on JUNE 30th! been told y’all Kamala should’ve been the 2024 candidate. Y’all be trying to play the Bronx education, baby this what I do!!!”
Katy Perry
Popstar Katy Perry reshared an edit of Harris coupled with her new song “Woman's World”.
Olivia Rodrigo
In an Instagram story, singer-songwriter and actress Olivia Rodrigo reshared a clip from TikTok of Harris criticizing Trump’s stance on abortion and emphasizing the importance of reproductive rights at her first campaign rally as a 2024 contender. Rodrigo put praise hands emojis at the bottom of the page.
Making History
Many young voters are eager to help make Harris the first woman, Black female, and South Asian president in U.S. history. This turn in the election is a breath of fresh air for many young voters who have only heard endlessly of Trump vs. Biden.
Not only that, but many young voters align themselves with Harris' vision. If elected, she promises a country outlined in freedom, with greater representation for middle-class families, support for women's reproductive rights, and stricter gun control.
As a teen myself, I see an opportunity for our generation to make not just an impact, but history, as youth voices have never mattered more in politics and could potentially change the course of this election. It's time to imagine what can be and be unburdened by what has been!