Harris Campaign Uses Viral Memes to Connect with Gen Z

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has adopted a bold strategy by embracing viral memes, particularly the "coconut tree" and "brat" trends that have captivated Gen Z audiences. This unconventional approach, however, has left older voters perplexed, with many unfamiliar with the term "brat." Memes, which can encompass various forms of content shared humorously or satirically, have become a focal point for Harris' outreach efforts, especially following a tweet from pop star Charli XCX that linked her to the "brat" phenomenon. In a strategic move, Harris' campaign updated its X account cover photo to reflect the lime color associated with XCX's album, rebranding it to "Kamala HQ." While some analysts view this as a savvy tool for engagement, others caution that the meme-centric approach may come off as "super cringe" to younger voters, potentially undermining her seriousness as a candidate. The campaign's reliance on social media engagement raises questions about the depth of political discourse, as it often prioritizes catchy content over substantive information. Experts suggest that while Harris is currently dominating the conversation on social media, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain. The focus on memes may allow her to reach targeted demographics without delving into more complex or controversial issues. Ultimately, Harris aims to persuade voters through this innovative yet risky method, which may not resonate with all segments of the electorate.