Introducing WIRED Politics: Kamala Harris' Brat Summer Is Almost Over. What's Next?
Sep 30, 2024
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Hunter Harris, a sharp-witted writer and critic, joins to dissect Kamala Harris's 2024 campaign and her savvy use of social media. They delve into how meme culture shapes political narratives and connect with younger voters. The discussion also highlights changing Democratic strategies, incorporating humor and cultural elements. Also touched upon are the wild conspiracy theories buzzing in the background of celebrity culture, revealing the captivating absurdity that thrives online. It's a lively take on navigating today's political landscape!
Kamala Harris is successfully utilizing social media and internet culture to reshape her image and engage younger voters ahead of Election 2024.
The podcast highlights the shift in Harris's political positioning, contrasting her past marginalization with her current emergence as a strong, relatable candidate.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris and the Internet Culture
The discussion highlights how Kamala Harris is effectively engaging with internet culture to enhance her campaign, especially as the 2024 election approaches. Hunter Harris notes that despite initial setbacks in the past, there seems to be a renewed wave of positivity surrounding her candidacy, as she is perceived as one of the most relatable and humorous political figures. Memes and social media interactions have allowed her to reshape her image into one that resonates with a younger, online audience, creating a more enjoyable campaign atmosphere reminiscent of Barack Obama’s tenure. The idea that Harris can be a ‘memeable’ politician not only amplifies her visibility but also gives her an edge in navigating a digital landscape filled with skepticism and misinformation.
Impact of Biden's Campaign Strategy
The podcast discusses the contrasting ways that Kamala Harris was previously positioned within Biden’s campaign versus her current approach as an independent political figure. Hunter Harris critiques the earlier campaign's strategy, which marginalized Harris and did not leverage her strengths effectively, especially during pivotal moments of Biden's presidency. However, as Biden's support wanes, Harris's greater visibility has turned the narrative into one where she is emerging as a strong contender, possibly even overshadowing Biden in various states. This shift reflects a broader trend in political dynamics, where Harris now appears more relatable and popular among the electorate.
Youth Engagement through Pop Culture
Kamala Harris's recent campaign efforts are aligned with pop culture and youth engagement strategies, which play a crucial role in mobilizing younger voters. The conversation reveals that Harris's team has adopted a nimble approach to social media, tapping into cultural movements and trends, such as 'brat summer', to galvanize support. Influencers and fandoms, including initiatives like the Swifties and Club Chalamet, are supporting her campaign, indicating a strategic embrace of grassroots mobilization that resonates with younger demographics. This contemporary blend of politics and culture represents a notable shift from previous political campaigns that often felt disconnected from the realities of younger voters.
The Duality of Online Presence
The ongoing dialog explores the duality of online presence in the political arena, particularly concerning the backlash against Harris's candidacy due to certain policy positions. While her humor and relatability contribute to her popularity, the podcast notes that Harris faces challenges in reconciling these traits with the more contentious aspects of her political history. For instance, the backlash she received for her comments on Gaza during a public event illustrates the delicate balance between being an engaging online presence and addressing serious political criticisms. As Harris navigates this complex terrain, the podcast emphasizes the need for her campaign to address policy concerns while maintaining the lively engagement that her social media reputation has generated.
We're in your feed today to share an episode from a podcast we think you might like called the WIRED Politics Lab.
As Election 2024 quickly approaches, our news feeds and timelines are filled with conspiracy theories, disinformation campaigns, and technological shenanigans. Join host Leah Feiger on WIRED Politics Lab as she cuts through the noise and helps you make sense of it all with the help of various experts and journalists.
In this episode, Leah is joined by writer and critic Hunter Harris. They discuss how Kamala Harris is harnessing social media to propel her campaign and what comes next in the run-up to November.