Kamala Harris's Questionable Connection with Gen Z Voters

In a recent tweet, singer Charli XCX referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as "brat," coinciding with Harris' nomination for the presidency following President Joe Biden's exit. The term "brat," popularized in youth culture, particularly among younger demographics, is associated with Charli XCX's latest album, which captures the essence of contemporary anxieties faced by young adults. The Economist has raised the question of whether Harris embodies this "brat" persona, while the Associated Press notes that younger celebrities are leveraging their social media influence to support her campaign. However, the term "brat" may not be entirely flattering, as it implies a certain immaturity or recklessness. This perception contrasts sharply with polling data indicating that Harris is struggling to connect with youth voters compared to Biden's performance in 2020. CNN's polling analyst Harry Enten highlights that young Democrats are not significantly more motivated to vote due to Biden's departure, suggesting a disconnect between the campaign's messaging and voter sentiment. Despite these challenges, a recent New York Times/Siena College poll indicates that Harris may perform better among young and Hispanic voters than Biden did earlier this year. Change Research also reports a slight increase in hopefulness among young voters regarding politics, suggesting a potential for increased turnout in support of Harris. Meanwhile, both Barack and Michelle Obama have publicly endorsed her candidacy, albeit in a manner that some observers have deemed awkward.