From Brats to Camo Hats: Kamala Harris Is Making Politics Fun Again

In a political landscape where personalities frequently overshadow policies, Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has tapped into something that transcends traditional campaigning - cultural icon status. 

In a move that feels both refreshingly modern and deeply rooted in inclusive cultural trends, Kamala’s campaign has embraced the chaotic, joyful energy of today’s digital culture…and it’s paying off big time.

Political candidates have a clear task: define the stakes, define the enemy, and define themselves. In an era where reputation is built from countless tiny impressions, Kamala’s team has brilliantly harnessed the power of meme culture and internet humour to engage voters and control the terms of the debate. The stakes are clear - preventing a slide back into the 'dark ages.' In defining the enemy, her team cleverly points to the 'weirdness' embodied by figures like J.D. Vance and Donald Trump. By framing these characters as outliers, Kamala positions herself - and the Democratic Party - as the voice of normalcy and authenticity. 

Sometimes, the best way to defeat a bully is to make fun of them. This approach is not just effective - it’s refreshing. It allows her to embody the essence of Charli XCX’s Brat -unapologetically bold, a bit rebellious, and completely in on the joke.

Her campaign is continuing to break the mould by weaving together disparate cultural threads, pulling in everyone from young gay voters to football coaches, and childfree women to hunting dads. While Trump’s MAGA culture has become increasingly insular, Kamala's campaign is the exact opposite. It’s open, vibrant, and - crucially - collaborative.

Take Tim Walz, the 'Midwest Princess' of politics. When Kamala’s campaign noticed that the internet had cheekily dubbed him with this title and paired him with Lil Jon’s 'Get Low,' they didn’t shy away. They leaned in. The campaign didn’t just tolerate these cultural mashups; they amplified them, letting the community lead the way. This is a crucial distinction from the MAGA approach, which is so Trump-centric that it hinges almost entirely on his larger-than-life persona. Kamala’s strategy, on the other hand, is rooted in crowdsourcing - a democratic approach that feels like a collective movement rather than a top-down directive.

This is why Kamala Harris has become 'the people’s candidate' in a very real sense. Her campaign isn’t just about her; it’s about what we want next. Joe’s presidency, while dignified, felt like an attempted return to normalcy. Harris represents the future - an embodiment of the cultural zeitgeist, where meme culture, pop references, and grassroots participation collide. 

This collective energy is reflected in her record-breaking $81 million raised on the first day of her candidacy and an astounding $310 million in July alone. But what makes Kamala’s campaign truly remarkable isn’t just the money - it’s how she’s building a fanbase, not just a voter base. 

Her team is adept at creating content that resonates on a deeply cultural level, slicing up her speeches, appearances, and even her wide-jawed cackle into bite-sized pieces that are tailor-made for social media consumption. This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a cultural movement that people are excited to be a part of, often before Harris even gets there.

While MAGA culture has become more specific, exclusive, and polarising, Kamala’s campaign is the opposite: inclusive, expansive, and inviting. Her team isn’t forcing these cultural moments; they’re letting them happen organically, feeding into them, and giving people the tools to create and participate. While brands trying to be brat make us cringe, Harris stays with it by following fans’ lead. It’s a masterclass in social fluency - knowing when to engage and when to let the community take the reins.

Kamala Harris isn’t just running for president; she’s inviting us all to join the ride. In a time when so much of politics feels dark and divisive, Kamala’s campaign feels like a breath of fresh air - joyful, fearless, and most importantly, rooted in the people.