Kamala Harris' Unflattering Memes Embraced as "Celebratory Artifacts" by the Left

Following President Biden's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, her once-criticized viral moments have been transformed into "celebratory artifacts" by her supporters, according to The New York Times.

The New York Times has attempted to portray Vice President Kamala Harris' history of unflattering viral moments as "celebratory artifacts" amidst her swift rise as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Amanda Hess, the Times' internet culture critic, highlighted the surge in online content praising Harris after President Biden announced his endorsement and exit from the 2024 race.

Hess described Harris as a "highly memeable presidential candidate." She noted that the unflattering supercuts and Photoshop jobs once used to criticize Harris have now been repurposed as celebratory symbols of her candidacy.

Kamala Harris' Unflattering Memes Embraced as "Celebratory Artifacts" by the Left

For example, Harris' go-to catchphrase, "what can be, unburdened by what has been," which was mocked by conservatives, has been reclaimed by her supporters. Hess suggests that its mild incoherence adds to its appeal on TikTok, where fans remix candidates' speeches.

Hess also attributes the redemption of the "unburdened" meme to the "legitimately concerning gibberish" produced by older statesmen in the race, such as Biden. She claims that Harris'偶尔ly meandering phrasing now appears relatively harmless.

Kamala Harris' Unflattering Memes Embraced as "Celebratory Artifacts" by the Left

Various clips of Harris dancing and memorable quotes, such as her "coconut tree" comment, which were initially mocked by Republicans, have also been reinterpreted by her fans. Hess suggests that supporters have "reversed" the interpretation of these moments.

Harris' "word salad" has been transformed into "hypnotic internet speak," Hess writes. Her coconut tree quote, once ridiculed, is now a symbol of her "giddy high" rise in a destabilized campaign. Supporters have even reclaimed the slogan "Kamala Harris is a cop" with an exaggerated wink.

Kamala Harris' Unflattering Memes Embraced as "Celebratory Artifacts" by the Left

Hess argues that the measure of a candidate's charisma has shifted from "Would you have a beer with her?" to "Are you willing to spend your evening editing a fancam-style video that sets her idiosyncrasies to pop music so effectively that they produce a pleasant narcotic effect?"

An alliance has emerged between the Democratic Party's irony-pilled leftists and #resistance-core centrists around Harris' memes. Hess suggests that this ironic distance provides a protective layer for the left, who may view her as insufficiently radical, while also making the task of electing an establishment Democrat feel almost subversive.

Kamala Harris' Unflattering Memes Embraced as "Celebratory Artifacts" by the Left

President Biden's decision to endorse Harris and exit the 2024 race has rapidly shifted the political landscape, with the majority of the party rallying behind her.