Additional Coverage:
- Harris’ ‘brat summer’ has captured Gen Z’s attention. It only works if they vote for her. (newsbreak.com)
Weeks ago, amid scrolling on X, previously known as Twitter, I sensed a shift in the momentum building around the 2024 election. On July 3, a video montage of Vice President Kamala Harris paired with the song “The von dutch remix” by Addison Rae and A.G.
Cook caught my eye, posted by @ryanlong03. This video has become intertwined with the rise of Harris alongside the release of Charli XCX’s album “BRAT.”
The excitement generated from grassroots Gen Z progressives about Harris has continued to surge online since that post. Memes and videos incorporating the lime green of the “BRAT” album cover have proliferated, influencing even the official campaign X account to adopt a modified header proclaiming “kamala hq.” Charli XCX has further fueled this movement by tweeting that “kamala IS brat,” injecting a significant boost of engagement to Harris’ campaign efforts, especially among younger demographics who recognize Charli XCX’s influence.
The term “brat” has sparked discussions among political analysts, even making its way into mainstream news panels like CNN, where Kaitlan Collins discussed the connotations of being a “brat” with Jake Tapper, suggesting it’s a badge of honor rather than an insult.
In today’s political and cultural milieu, “Brat” represents more than misbehavior. It signifies enjoying life amid challenging times, embodying complex female experiences as illustrated in Charli’s lyrics about personal and societal issues. The album’s integration into the Harris campaign speaks volumes about its cultural impact and its connection with current social narratives.
As excitement infuses the campaign, reminiscent of the energetic yet ultimately unsuccessful 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign, there is both hope and caution. Clinton’s campaign also leveraged pop culture but faced significant backlash and criticism, underscoring the unpredictable nature of such strategies.
Now, as Harris faces similar enthusiasm but also serious challenges, including racial and gender-based attacks, her campaign must navigate these complexities while capitalizing on the momentum. The intertwining of her candidacy with an album like “BRAT,” which champions assertiveness and resilience, reflects a bold campaign strategy in an unprecedented political environment. As we watch this unfold, it becomes a reflection of how culture and politics can merge, creating memorable, though sometimes fleeting, moments in our collective memory.