Democrats are poised to potentially nominate a presidential candidate who could rival GOP nominee Donald Trump in terms of memeability, a prospect that has gained traction following President Joe Biden's announcement to forgo re-election. This development has created a fertile environment for Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden has endorsed as the Democratic presidential candidate, to emerge as a notably memeable figure.

Following Biden's decision, a surge of memes featuring Harris has swept across the internet, especially on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). The atmosphere on these platforms has been notably positive, with many left-leaning users celebrating Harris through a wide array of fan edits and memes that spotlight her memorable moments from speeches. For example, British pop artist Charli XCX recently expressed her support for Harris by referring to her as a “brat,” a playful allusion to her latest album, which has become a summer anthem for Gen Z.

Political strategists suggest that these viral memes serve a purpose beyond mere amusement; they have the potential to significantly enhance Harris' social media presence and influence, particularly among younger voters. This marks a contrast to President Biden’s difficulties in engaging with the Gen Z demographic. Marianna Pecora, communications director for the Gen Z-run political advocacy group Voters of Tomorrow, highlights Harris' ability to blend authenticity with a less conventional approach to campaigning as a factor in her viral success. Pecora notes that Harris' relaxed demeanor and willingness to participate in less formal, more engaging interactions represent refreshing qualities in the current political climate.

Pecora also underscores that while the viral moments provide levity, they also reflect broader support for Harris, particularly among younger voters who have at times felt disillusioned by traditional presidential candidates. Pecora suggests that while it is improbable that one can meme their way to the presidency, making the election engaging and present in people's daily lives is undoubtedly advantageous.

A significant factor in Harris' frequent virality is her display of what many perceive as a genuine personality online. This has cultivated a devoted online following known as the KHive, a nod to Beyoncé’s fan base, the BeyHive. The KHive has been instrumental in amplifying Harris' online presence through various memes and content. From her fondness for Venn diagrams to her endearing rendition of “Wheels on the Bus” and her enthusiastic dance moves, Harris’ quirky moments have become a rich source of online humor and support.

The recent viral success of the "coconut tree" meme exemplifies the KHive's ability to leverage even seemingly trivial remarks for broader engagement. Following Biden's debate with Trump in June, which raised concerns about Biden's viability for re-election, the KHive experienced a resurgence in activity. A speech in which Harris quoted her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, mentioning a “coconut tree,” evolved into a running joke online. This led to a notable spike in Google searches for “coconut tree” within 24 hours of Biden's announcement.

The meme's popularity was so significant that it attracted attention from elected officials, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who engaged with the meme. The humorous "coconut prophecy" quickly spread across X and TikTok, further entrenching its place in the viral consciousness.

Despite this, Harris has not publicly addressed the meme phenomenon. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Harris' reaction. Harris' occasional eccentricity has made her a target for criticism from some conservative circles, as evidenced by a Republican National Committee video mocking one of her more abstract quotes. Nonetheless, digital and political strategist Annie Wu Henry contends that even seemingly trivial quotes, such as the “coconut tree” reference, can gain deeper resonance upon reflection, converting initial mockery into appreciation.

Harris' campaign appears to be embracing the meme-driven enthusiasm. Recently, her campaign’s X account adopted Charli XCX’s neon green “brat” theme as its cover image, and the account's bio now quotes Harris’ speech, stating: “Providing context.”

While some young progressives have previously criticized Harris for her record as a prosecutor, several prominent youth-oriented groups have swiftly shown their support following Biden’s withdrawal from the race. The social media advocacy group Gen-Z for Change, formerly known as TikTok for Biden, endorsed Harris shortly after Biden's announcement. Similarly, Voters of Tomorrow has updated its X page to reflect Harris’ “brat” theme, using emojis to symbolize the "coconut tree."

Henry believes that the unified support from younger progressives, despite prior reservations about Harris, reflects a heightened awareness of the high stakes in the upcoming election. She asserts that this consolidation of support, regardless of individual policy disagreements, signifies a collective determination to secure a favorable outcome if Harris becomes the Democratic nominee.