Exploring Kamala Harris’ use of the phenomenon that is “brat.”

  Memes itself will not win elections. Charli XCX declared on Twitter (X), “Kamala IS brat,” and the internet did what it does best– ran with it. Charli’s “brat” album, embodying chaotic yet confident energy, became the anthem for Harris’ campaign. Suddenly, Kamala wasn’t just a politician.

    Imagine the Vice President, not only giving policy speeches, but doing it with the same vibe as someone showing up to a brunch extremely late, glasses on, and saying “Yeah, I’m that girl.” Harris’ campaign didn’t just accept the meme, they embraced it by updating their Twitter banner to match Charli’s album art and going full Brat.

    But why does this matter? Because Kamala, intentionally or not, tapped into the youth cultural bloodstream of a generation that lives and breathes memes. By embracing the “brat” identity, Harris plays into the hands of millennials and Gen Z who adore the playful, chaotic energy of its meme. It’s a brilliant deflection from any of her more “unusual” statements (yes, we’re still wondering if we fell out of a coconut tree) and turns them into something hilarious and relatable.

    Kamala’s “brat” campaign may well be the key to engaging younger voters. After all, it’s not every day you see a presidential candidate co-opt a famous pop star’s album aesthetic to win votes. Imagine a whole debate where Harris responds to an opponent’s criticism with a well-timed “brat energy,” following a playlist drop. 

    Harris embracing the meme demonstrates her campaign’s ability to leverage internet culture for political advantage. By engaging with the meme in a lighthearted yet strategic way, Harris not only humanizes her public image but also connects with younger voters who are crucial to the success of modern campaigns. This approach reflects a broader trend in politics, where humor and relatability can be as powerful as policy discussion in shaping public perception and rallying support. Ultimately, Harris’ use of the meme could prove to be a smart move in strengthening her appeal and boosting her campaign’s visibility.