Vice President Kamala Harris is embracing meme culture, with Venn diagrams and coconut trees sprouting across the internet and a presidential campaign X account referencing the recent album “BRAT” by singer Charli XCX. Northeastern University political media expert Katherine Haenschen says this embrace showcases Harris’ attempt to establish her campaign as not only a political movement, but also a cultural movement — particularly to younger voters.
“Americans love being part of a zeitgeist, being part of a cultural moment,” says Haenschen, assistant professor of communications studies and political science at Northeastern. “I think part of Harris’ appeal and how she acts is very well suited to this viral video, meme, TikTok moment we find ourselves in.” Memes have followed Harris since her rise to national prominence.
