How Much is “Being Cool” Actually Worth in Politics?
1Digest
The podcast delves into the cultural impact of Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, comparing her to Barack Obama and discussing the potential for a "Kamala Nominon." It explores the role of "coolness" in politics, examining whether it's a significant factor in voter decisions and how it might influence the upcoming election. The podcast also discusses the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns, particularly in the context of Taylor Swift's decision not to endorse Hillary Clinton in 2016. It analyzes the impact of Trump's "coolness" bump after being shot and how it might affect the current campaign. The podcast also highlights the challenges of maintaining momentum and avoiding oversaturation in a political campaign, particularly in the context of Kamala Harris's rapid rise and the potential for a "come down" before the election. It emphasizes the fragility of public opinion and the importance of avoiding a return to the "smugness" that might alienate voters, drawing parallels to Bernie Sanders's appeal and his failure to win the Democratic nomination. The podcast concludes by suggesting that while coolness might not be the deciding factor in primaries, it could be crucial in general elections, drawing historical comparisons to Reagan and Kennedy.
Outlines
Kamala Harris's Cultural Impact
The podcast begins by discussing the cultural impact of Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, comparing her to Barack Obama and exploring the potential for a "Kamala Nominon."
Coolness in Politics
The podcast examines the role of "coolness" in politics, discussing whether it's a significant factor in voter decisions and how it might influence the upcoming election.
Celebrity Endorsements and Their Impact
The podcast delves into the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns, discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks, particularly in the context of Taylor Swift's decision not to endorse Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Maintaining Momentum and Avoiding Oversaturation
The podcast discusses the challenges of maintaining momentum and avoiding oversaturation in a political campaign, particularly in the context of Kamala Harris's rapid rise and the potential for a "come down" before the election.
Coolness in the General Election
The podcast concludes by suggesting that while coolness might not be the deciding factor in primaries, it could be crucial in general elections, drawing historical comparisons to Reagan and Kennedy.
Keywords
Kamala Nominon
A term used to describe the cultural phenomenon surrounding Kamala Harris, similar to the "Obama Mania" that surrounded Barack Obama's presidency. It reflects the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding her candidacy.
Vibes Election
A term used to describe an election where voters are more influenced by the overall feeling or "vibe" of a candidate rather than their specific policies or ideologies.
Coolness Bump
A temporary increase in popularity or support for a candidate due to a perceived increase in their "coolness" or attractiveness to voters. This can be triggered by events or actions that enhance their image.
Celebrity Endorsements
The practice of celebrities publicly supporting a political candidate, aiming to influence their fans and potentially sway undecided voters. The effectiveness of these endorsements is debated.
Niche Celebrities
Celebrities who have a dedicated following within a specific niche or community, often with a strong influence over their fans. These celebrities can be valuable for political campaigns targeting specific demographics.
Q&A
How has Kamala Harris's cultural impact on the Democratic Party been compared to Barack Obama's?
The podcast compares Harris's cultural impact to Obama's "Obama Mania," suggesting that she has generated a similar level of excitement and enthusiasm, potentially leading to a "Kamala Nominon."
What is the role of "coolness" in politics, and how might it influence the upcoming election?
The podcast explores the idea that "coolness" can be a significant factor in voter decisions, arguing that it can influence how candidates are perceived and ultimately affect their chances of winning.
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns?
The podcast discusses the potential for celebrity endorsements to boost civic engagement and increase voter turnout, but also acknowledges the difficulty in directly linking endorsements to increased votes.
How did Trump's "coolness" bump after being shot affect the 2020 election, and how might it influence the current campaign?
The podcast analyzes the impact of Trump's "coolness" bump, suggesting that it might have contributed to his victory in 2020 and that Harris has been able to overcome a similar bump in the current campaign.
What are the challenges of maintaining momentum and avoiding oversaturation in a political campaign?
The podcast highlights the difficulty of sustaining a high level of public interest and enthusiasm throughout a campaign, particularly in the context of the rapid pace of political cycles and the fickle nature of public opinion.
How might the fragility of public opinion affect the outcome of the election?
The podcast emphasizes the importance of avoiding a return to the "smugness" that might alienate voters, suggesting that it could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the election.
How does the podcast connect the concept of "coolness" to historical figures like Reagan and Kennedy?
The podcast draws parallels between Reagan and Kennedy, suggesting that while coolness might not be the deciding factor in primaries, it could be crucial in general elections, potentially influencing the outcome of the election.
Show Notes
The New Yorker staff writer Naomi Fry joins Tyler Foggatt to unpack Kamala Harris’s cultural blitzkrieg and how a litany of A-list celebrities and online influencers have helped revitalize the Presidential race. “It’s like the scene in ‘Pulp Fiction’ or something, where Uma Thurman overdoses and then has the adrenaline shot into her heart,” Fry said. To what degree can a candidate turn “being cool” into a winning strategy?
This week’s reading:
- “What Kamala Harris May Have to Do Next,” by Jay Caspian Kang
- “Kamala Harris’s Youth-Vote Turnaround,” by E. Tammy Kim
- “The Kamala Show,” by Vinson Cunningham
To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com.
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