Rachel Maddow and Jake Tapper found themselves puzzled by the “brat” trend initiated by Charli XCX’s latest album, Brat.
They were attempting to explain why Charli XCX labeled Kamala Harris a “brat,” leading to widespread discussion. That discussion was a great illustration of just how unbearable and cringe generational differences can be.
The Daily Mail reported that the phenomenon began when Charli XCX released her album Brat in June, causing a social media frenzy. The term “brat” gained further traction when Charli referred to Kamala Harris as such after Joe Biden endorsed Harris for the Democratic presidential nominee and announced he was dropping out of the race.
The viral post by Charli, which garnered over 46 million views, caught the attention of Harris. Embracing the label, Harris incorporated references to Charli's album into her campaign. This led to confusion among media personalities, including MSNBC's Rachel Maddow and CNN's Jake Tapper.
Harris is embracing Gen-Z trends that are popular among young voters who are already voting blue but these stories will do nothing to boost her profile among swing voters and working-class voters concerned about a serious leader who can pull the nation back from the brink.
Rachel Maddow, a long-time supporter of Joe Biden, admitted on air that she was uncertain about the meaning of "brat." Maddow praised Biden for his decision to withdraw from the race, calling it a selfless act for the nation's benefit.
Jake Tapper, equally perplexed, revealed he learned about the trend from his teenage daughter.
CNN reporter Jamie Gangel provided further insight, explaining that the term "brat" was intended to describe someone who is messy, enjoys partying, and is blunt and volatile.
Charli XCX's description of a "brat" included being honest and sometimes saying foolish things. She emphasized that the term was both a lifestyle and an attitude, capable of being luxurious or trashy.
In response to the viral trend, Kamala Harris overhauled her campaign, even altering her X account header to resemble Charli’s album cover. Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed admiration for Harris's approach, appreciating how the campaign embraced the term and turned it into a positive icon.
As the trend continued, people began sharing TikTok videos, promoting the album, and adopting the album’s lime green aesthetic.
Charli XCX fans created edits of Harris set to her music, further embedding the trend into popular culture.
In an amusing twist, celebrities like Stephen Colbert, Glen Powell, and Ashley Tisdale joined in, posting their own takes on having a “brat summer.” Tisdale, even while pregnant, expressed her enthusiasm for the trend.
Rachel Maddow and Jake Tapper’s confusion reflected a broader uncertainty among the public and other media figures. Tapper’s colleague Kaitlan Collins explained that aspiring to be a “brat” required effort and was not something easily achieved.
Throughout the coverage, both anchors grappled with the concept, with Tapper humorously stating his aspiration to embody the “brat” ethos.
This humorous exchange underscored the generational gap in understanding the trend.
Jake Tapper also discussed his concerns about Biden’s candidacy, noting that many Democratic officials believed Biden and his inner circle were in denial about his capacity to serve another term. This added another layer of complexity to the ongoing political narrative.
Rachel Maddow and Jake Tapper’s attempts to decipher Charli XCX’s “brat” trend have sparked significant conversation.
The trend originated from Charli XCX’s album and was amplified when she labeled Kamala Harris a “brat.”
Harris embraced the term, integrating it into her campaign, while media personalities and the public tried to make sense of it. The phenomenon highlighted generational differences and showcased the ever-evolving nature of social media trends.
As celebrities and the public continued to engage with the “brat” trend, it became a notable aspect of the current political and cultural landscape. The discussion around the term reflects broader themes of adaptation and change within both media and politics.
