What is ‘brat’ summer? Why Kamala Harris’ campaign is embracing meme around Charli XCX album (2024)

Notice aradioactive green-tintto the election season? You're not alone.

For those unaware of the pop culture phenomena happening around us, it's been dubbed a "brat summer," according to fans of British popstar Charli XCX. And no one is having a bigger brat summer than Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harrisappears to be the leading candidate to replacePresident Joe Bidenas the Democratic Party’s nominee in the upcoming General Election and possibly with the help of social media.

What is 'Brat'? What is a 'Brat summer'?

Charli XCX released "Brat" on June 7, featuring hits such as "Von Dutch" and "360." In USA TODAY’s review, the album embraces a hot-mess pop star aesthetic, prioritizing club culture at its core but still offering introspective lyrics on aging, womanhood, grief and anxiety.

But what exactly is a "Brat summer"? It depends on who you ask but most define the term as just simply having fun and being a little messy. Some have even declared items as "brat-coded"; Dirty martinis, cigarettes, Red Bulls, white tank tops and salads.

Luckily, Charli herself has weighed in on the matter, breaking down the meaning of a brat: “You’re that girl who is a bit messy and loves to party and maybe says dumb things sometimes. She’s honest, blunt, and a little bit volatile. That’s Brat.”

She also touched on the "brat summer" meme, basically saying it can be whatever you want it to be.

"(Brat summer) can be luxury but it can also be trashy. Just like a pack of cigs and a Bic lighter and a strappy white tank with no bra," the popstar joked in a radio interview withNick Grimshaw. "That's kind of all you need."

Why is Kamala Harris embracing 'brat summer' meme?

What is ‘brat’ summer? Why Kamala Harris’ campaign is embracing meme around Charli XCX album (1)

You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?

Harris' silly retelling of a story from her mother kicked off several weeks of memes that let to an almost organic rebranding of her campaign. Following the album's release, fancams and memes soon popped up of the politician with a vibrant green-tint or a club beat in the background.

As audiences identified her as the latest figure to symbolize having a "brat summer," Harris' campaign has fully adopted the trend. Theyrebrandedon X with a new header − a neon green background reading “kamala hq” in the style of the “BRAT” album cover.

See best TikToks, tweets from social media users

According to USA TODAY, support for Harris has taken the form of memes and video compilations of the VP's most memorable, quotable moments, all set to the tune of Charli XCX's club-pop anthems. Across TikTok, Harris/"Brat" videos have amassed millions of views and likes.

Don't get it? You're not alone, as news hosts question trend

Still stumped? Join the club, as many news hosts and political analyst have voiced publicly.

On Fox News, they discussed the meme and wonder how the term "brat" paints Harris in a flattering light. While political consultant Jessica Tarlov explained that "awkwardness is an asset," one host said that if "I was the first female president, I'd want to be taken seriously."

Similarly on CNN, host Jake Tapper struggled to understand the meaning behind the craze. He did commend Harris' campaign for hopping on the trend and seeing positive results.

“I will aspire to be ‘brat,’” Tapper said, still sounding very confused.

Why do candidates jump on pop culture trends during elections?

As more and more politicians hop on the "brat" trend, many social media users are wondering if they actually like the album or have even listened to it. Especially since the album dives into drug usage, guns and generation trauma.

Some consider politicians jumping on popular meme and trends as "cringey" and "obvious pandering," many referencing Hillary Clinton's viral joke about the mobile game "Pokémon Go" while campaigning in 2016.

“I don’t know who createdPokémon Go,” she said. “But I’m trying to figure out how we get them to have Pokémon Goto the polls.”

But why do they do it? After interviewing several politicians on their social media usage, Vice found that participating in these trends can create a stronger connection with voters and get information out.

A Pew Research Center found that 25% of social media users follow candidates or other political figures on various social media platforms. A similar Pew Research Centerstudyfound that a similar share of Americans have engaged with social media content from politicians.

However, many still voiced the many challenges they face from trying to hop on these trends, such as being called "inauthentic" by Gen Z, sparking unintended backlash and not being taken seriously. Users in favor of Harris have warned that she better tread lightly before partaking in the jokes.

Who is Charli XCX? Does she give Kamala Harris endorsement?

What is ‘brat’ summer? Why Kamala Harris’ campaign is embracing meme around Charli XCX album (2)

Charli XCX is an English singer-songwriter. As previously reported by Billboard, Charli XCX rose to fame as a collaborator, working on hits like Icona Pop's 2012 "I Love It" and Iggy Azalea's 2014 "Fancy," which topped the Billboard Hot 100.

The "Kamala Harris x brat" craze has reached the popstar, who tweeted her support for the politician on July 21. The two have also followed each other on social media.

"Kamala IS brat," Charli XCX said on X, seeing over 350,000 likes and 54,000 retweets.

What is Kamala Harris' actual campaign song?

It's not even a song off "brat" or from Charli XCX.

According to CNN, the Harris campaign received permission from Beyoncé to use the song "Freedom" throughout her presidential campaign. The song is off the singer's 2016 studio album "Lemonade."

Where is Charli XCX performing in Florida? See dates in Orlando, Miami

What is ‘brat’ summer? Why Kamala Harris’ campaign is embracing meme around Charli XCX album (3)

For those wanting to dive fully into the trend, Charli XCXannounced a joint tour with fellow pop sensationTroye Sivanearlier this year. The duo's Sweat North American tour will stop in 21 cities starting in September.

The duo will make a stop at theKaseya Arenaon Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. It is located at 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. They will then head north toKia Centeron Sunday, Oct. 6, which is located at 400 W. Church St., Orlando.

General sale started in April. Interested in going? Check out tickets atVivid Seats,StubHub,SeatGeek, andTicketmasterfor the Florida dates.

Contributing: Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean

What is ‘brat’ summer? Why Kamala Harris’ campaign is embracing meme around Charli XCX album (2024)
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