Nadira Goffe, a culture writer, teams up with Jonquilyn Hill, former host of Vox’s The Weeds, to explore Kamala Harris’s vibrant internet history. They discuss her transformation from California Attorney General to Vice President, highlighting the K-Hive and the memes that shaped her image. Expect laughs as they dissect awkward viral moments and the interplay between social media and public perception. They also emphasize the crucial role of community support, especially among Black voters, in bolstering her campaign.
Kamala Harris's internet presence, characterized by viral moments and memes, significantly shaped her cultural relevancy and connection with younger voters.
The emergence of the K-Hive exemplifies how social media can transform political mobilization, creating a strong community that supports and elevates candidates.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris and the Internet: A Cultural Phenomenon
Kamala Harris has emerged as a significant internet figure, particularly highlighted during the 2020 presidential campaign. Initially recognized as 'California's top cop,' her reputation shifted as the public became more engaged with her unique internet presence, marked by viral moments and memes. Her relationship with the online community includes her infamous catchphrases and moments during events like the Democratic National Convention, which contributed to her cultural relevancy. These internet engagements allowed her to connect more authentically with younger voters, which played a crucial role in shaping her public image.
Viral Moments from the Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention showcased several pivotal viral moments that resonated with internet culture. Humor played a key role, with notable instances such as Lil Jon's energetic appearance and Barack Obama’s controversial joke, which sparked widespread discussions online. Participants also reflected on the interactions between former Scandal stars Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn, further contributing to the light-hearted yet impactful atmosphere of the event. These moments served not only as entertainment but also as vehicles for political engagement and connection among diverse audiences.
Public Perception and the K-Hive
The emergence of the K-Hive, a fervent group of Kamala Harris supporters, reflects a significant shift in political mobilization through social media. This group's enthusiasm manifests through viral content, memes, and a strong sense of community aimed at elevating Harris's candidacy. Notably, the K-Hive mobilized to showcase Harris as a viable alternative to traditional candidates amid concerns surrounding the Democratic frontrunner's viability. Their impactful online presence transformed public discussions about Harris, contributing to her acceptance and support as a candidate.
Memes as a Political Tool
Memes have played an instrumental role in reshaping the narrative around Kamala Harris throughout her political journey. As digital platforms became the primary outlets for engagement during the pandemic, her social media presence thrived with catchy phrases and relatable reactions. This phenomenon allowed a more diverse audience to connect with her candidacy, blending the worlds of politics and pop culture. The sustained momentum of her internet presence has shown how modern political campaigns increasingly rely on digital engagement to galvanize support and communicate effectively.
Candice Lim is joined by Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe and former host of Vox’s The WeedsJonquilyn Hill. Vice President Kamala Harris has been a public servant for more than 20 years, but her internet history is just as storied and rife with awkward singing, baffling laughter, and accidental viral hits. From coconut trees to Venn diagrams, ICYMI dives into Harris’ relationship with the internet, the K-Hive, and her hall of fame memes.
This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim.