On Sunday, Harry Sisson’s phone was inundated with a deluge of text messages, underscoring a seismic shift in political engagement and enthusiasm. Sisson, a prominent and influential content creator renowned for his fervent support of President Joe Biden’s re-election bid, found himself at the epicenter of a burgeoning wave of excitement and activism. This surge in activity followed Biden’s unexpected announcement that he would be terminating his presidential campaign and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

Biden’s endorsement of Harris sent shockwaves through the political landscape, particularly impacting those deeply engaged in digital activism and online advocacy. For Sisson and many others entrenched in promoting Democratic causes, the mood shifted dramatically from one of despondency to renewed vigor and hope. “I think a lot of people felt kind of down, you know, surrounding the Democratic Party and our prospects, and I think what I’m just seeing is this injection of energy right now,” Sisson, who is only 21 years old, remarked. “Everybody is hyped up. They’re excited. They want to be involved.”

The change in tone was both immediate and palpable. Biden’s endorsement of Harris revitalized a base that had grown increasingly disheartened by recent political developments and performance. This revitalization was particularly evident in online spaces, where Harris’s candidacy appeared to resonate more powerfully than Biden’s recent efforts, which had been criticized for their lackluster engagement and performance.

Content creators and digital activists on the left reported a significant boost in morale and enthusiasm. Vitus Spehar, a TikTok creator known for the UnderTheDeskNews account, expressed a newfound sense of optimism. “I feel hopeful, excited,” Spehar said. “It’s like my resilience is clicking in or something. That’s what I feel, like, I feel locked in.”

The shift in energy was vividly reflected across social media platforms. On TikTok, celebratory fan edits of Harris began to dominate the “For You” pages, and major accounts, including political commentator Hasan Piker, observed the transformation of the election cycle from “the most boring” to “the most interesting.” Users creatively posted lip-syncs from the musical “Hamilton,” reimagining scenes with Harris as the central figure, showcasing the level of excitement and engagement her candidacy was generating.

ActBlue, the Democratic Party’s online donation processor, reported a remarkable surge in contributions, with $46.7 million in small-dollar donations recorded by 9 p.m. ET on the same day. Biden’s social media accounts quickly adapted to the new dynamics, with the primary Biden account on X (formerly Twitter) incorporating a green banner and prominently featuring Harris’s endorsement. This adaptation reflected a broader trend of digital support and enthusiasm surrounding Harris, mirroring recent grassroots campaigns for pop culture figures.

In a notable grassroots initiative, supporters began advocating for Harris to appear on “Hot Ones,” a popular internet show where guests are interviewed while consuming progressively spicier chicken wings. This effort symbolized a broader strategy to connect Harris with younger voters through unconventional media channels, tapping into non-traditional platforms that resonate with the younger demographic.

Hank Green, a veteran YouTube creator, extended his support by proposing to assist the Harris campaign in booking interviews: “If any Harris folks are reading this, I could book you a truly kick-ass YouTuber tour.” This offer underscores the increasing interest in leveraging digital platforms to enhance Harris’s visibility and engagement.

Harris’s memorable lines, including a reference to a May 2023 speech where she remarked, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you,” have become viral memes online. The “coconut” reference has been creatively remixed and reimagined, including musical remixes and fan-cam videos celebrating the vice president. This playful meme culture highlights the cultural impact Harris is beginning to have in the digital sphere.

Democratic figures, such as J.B. Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, engaged with the meme culture by referencing the “coconut tree” in response to speculation about his own political future.

Mobilizing young voters around Harris is anticipated to be “much easier than mobilizing for Biden,” according to Aidan Kohn-Murphy, the founder of Gen-Z for Change. The organization, with 1.8 million followers on TikTok, expressed its support for Harris, reflecting a broader trend of increasing digital enthusiasm.

The swift and enthusiastic response to Harris’s endorsement contrasts sharply with the tepid online engagement seen around Biden in recent months. This shift comes amid criticisms of Biden from younger, left-leaning voters, who have voiced dissatisfaction with his policies and actions.

While Sisson expressed regret over Biden’s departure from the race, he also conveyed a strong commitment to supporting Harris’s candidacy. “I’m fired up and ready to help Vice President Harris get elected and beat Donald Trump,” Sisson declared. “There’s no like, ‘Oh, I don’t know about her. I’m not sure.’ There’s no uncertainty, and the people I’ve spoken to in the circle, I’m in — it’s all full speed ahead. Let’s get this done.”

As the campaign unfolds, the renewed energy and enthusiasm surrounding Harris’s candidacy will likely play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the upcoming election.