The Rise of Momala: How Kamala Harris is Becoming the Unexpected Hope of the Democratic Party
In the wake of a widely criticized debate performance by President Joe Biden, a sense of panic has swept through the Democratic Party. With the election looming, many are questioning whether the 81-year-old incumbent should remain the nominee. While a change of candidates at this late stage would be a risky maneuver, one figure has emerged as the most likely replacement, and the internet has embraced her as the answer to the looming threat of fascism.
That figure is Kamala Harris, the current Vice President. Unlike many of her predecessors, Harris has remained largely in the background during Biden’s presidency. However, in the wake of the contentious debate, her poll numbers have shown a surprising uptick, even exceeding Biden’s among likely voters, according to CNN. This newfound popularity, coupled with the public’s growing apprehension about the possibility of a second Trump presidency, has ignited a fervent online movement in support of Harris.
"Ironic khive posting is unironically the most energized the Twitter Dem electorate has been in about a year and I think there’s probably something optimistic in that," wrote author Kelly Weill on X. "Call yourself ‘coconut-pilled’ or whatever. Declare yrself a context fan. We might actually twet thru this one," she added.
Weill’s words paint a picture of a revitalized online Democratic base, finding solace and hope in the unexpectedly meme-able Vice President. This newfound enthusiasm has manifested itself in a wave of memes and online chatter, largely centered around Harris’s own past comments and quirks. One popular meme references her childhood anecdote about her mother discussing a "coconut tree," while others playfully refer to her as "Momala," highlighting her perceived maternal qualities. Her distinctive laugh also became a source of amusement for the online community.
The genesis of this internet-fueled movement can be traced back to the KHive, a community of Harris supporters that first emerged during the 2020 Democratic primaries. While the KHive was initially dismissed as cringeworthy, it has become the unexpected catalyst for a burgeoning, genuinely supportive online campaign for Harris.
The sense of urgency fueling this meme-driven movement is rooted in a chilling reality. Kevin Roberts, the president of the conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, recently appeared on the far-right network, Real America’s Voice, threatening violence against his political opponents.
"We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be," Roberts stated. These words, echoing the rhetoric of a "second American revolution," paint a picture of escalating political tensions and an increasing threat to the very fabric of democracy.
The memes, while appearing lighthearted and humorous, serve as a rallying cry, a desperate attempt to find a path forward in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge. As the internet echoes with the refrain, "Help us, Momala. You’re our only hope," the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Here’s how the internet has embraced the "Momala" meme:
- Side-by-Side: Memes showcasing Harris and Biden, with the underlying message that Harris is the only one who can save the country from the "malarkey" of Biden’s presidency.
- The Meme-trix: Memes referencing the popular science fiction film, "The Matrix," highlighting the concept of "taking the red pill," or embracing the truth about Biden’s performance and Harris’s potential.
- Malarkey: Memes focusing on the concept of "getting coconut-pilled," or shedding the illusions of the Biden administration’s efficacy and embracing the "truth" represented by Harris.
- An Apology: Memes expressing regret for past criticisms of Harris and acknowledging her potential as a leader.
- Mr. Gorbachev….: An ironic meme referencing Ronald Reagan’s famous line, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall," implying that Harris is the one to break down the barriers of political apathy and inaction.
- Livin’ That Life: Memes celebrating Harris’s seemingly laid-back demeanor and referencing her distinctive laugh.
- Coconut Tree Summer: A playful meme referencing Harris’s coconut tree anecdote, invoking a sense of optimism and hope for the future.
- That Coconut Stare: Memes focusing on Harris’s intense gaze, highlighting her perceived strength and determination.
- The Devil Wears Coconuts: A play on the popular movie, "The Devil Wears Prada," referencing Harris’s perceived pragmatism and ability to navigate the complexities of leadership.
- The Fight Against Fascism Makes Strange Allies: Memes referencing the unlikely alliance between the Bernie Sanders supporters and the KHive, united in their shared desire to defeat Trump and prevent fascism.
- You’re Such a Samantha: Memes referencing the popular sitcom, "Sex and the City," drawing parallels between Harris and the character Samantha Jones, highlighting her self-assured and independent nature.
- I Was Jealous of Her Xaned-Out Demeanor: Memes referencing Harris’s perceived relaxed demeanor and ability to remain calm under pressure.
- For the History Books: Memes envisioning a future under a President Harris, with references to a potential "Coconut Republic."
- Hot Damn: Memes showcasing Harris’s perceived "cool" and relatable demeanor, including the phrase "hot damn" as a catchphrase.
- Born to Fall: Memes referencing Harris’s coconut tree anecdote, playing on her perceived resilience and ability to overcome any obstacle.
- Chaos: Memes referencing the chaotic nature of the current political climate and hinting at the potential for change under Harris.
- Bernie Bros Get Coconut-Pilled: Memes celebrating the newfound alliance between the Bernie Sanders supporters and the KHive.
- Momala: Memes affectionately referring to Harris as "Momala," emphasizing her perceived maternal qualities.
- Freedom: Memes expressing a sense of liberation and hope for a better future under a President Harris.
- Operation Coconut Tree: Memes showcasing the burgeoning online movement in support of Harris, invoking a sense of urgency and action.
- Both Pills: Memes referencing the idea of "taking both pills," or embracing the full context of the situation, representing the potential of both Biden and Harris.
- That’s Cinema: Memes highlighting the dramatic and compelling nature of the current political landscape.
- Lock Him Up: Memes highlighting the desire to see Trump held accountable for his actions.
- Let’s Go: Memes expressing a sense of enthusiasm and readiness for change under a President Harris.
- Reason for Behavior: Images of Harris juxtaposed with the image of a coconut tree, highlighting the growing presence of the "coconut" meme in the online discourse.
The "Momala" meme has successfully captured the zeitgeist of the Democratic party, reflecting both a sense of desperation and a newfound hope. It remains to be seen whether this internet-fueled phenomenon can translate into real-world political momentum, but there’s no doubt that Harris has become the unlikely face of a movement seeking to save democracy from the shadows of fascism. The "coconut-pilled" are mobilizing, and the fight for the future of America has taken on a distinctly meme-able form.
