Vice President Kamala Harris is embracing social media to connect with young voters, leveraging platforms like TikTok to counteract Donald Trump's influence and energize her audience as the 2024 presidential election gears up. Launched with the assistance of former NSYNC member Lance Bass, Harris's official TikTok account has quickly amassed over three million followers since its inception.
One of the earliest videos features Bass playfully prompting Harris about her message to Trump, to which she joyfully replied with the NSYNC classic lyrics, “Bye, bye, bye.” This light-hearted moment exemplifies Harris's strategy to engage with younger demographics through relatable content, humor, and musical references.
Harris’s TikTok team has been very active, boasting four initial videos, including clips from her call with Barack and Michelle Obama supporting her campaign and her appearances on popular shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Rob Flaherty, Harris's deputy campaign manager, explained the necessity of reaching voters on various platforms, stating, “Our job as a campaign is to break through the noise and make sure we’re talking to voters wherever they are — TikTok is one of those landscapes, and we’re leaving no stone unturned.”
This commitment to youth engagement was echoed during her message at the Voters of Tomorrow Summit, where Harris emphasized the significance of young voters as agents of change. She noted, “This November, we will win again,” highlighting the pivotal role they played during the 2020 elections.
Harris's outreach continues as she navigates various media appearances, including her live interview with Howard Stern. The discussion spanned topics including the current political climate, the morale of American citizens, and her own perspectives on the character of the nation. Stern, reflecting on America’s division, expressed worry about the nation’s future, prompting Harris to share her optimism, asserting, “We have to look at the good,” highlighting her meetings with hardworking citizens across the country.
Throughout the hour-long interview, Harris made her determination clear when discussing Trump’s potential reelection. “Howard, I’m doing everything I can to make sure he does not win,” she emphasized, underscoring her focus on building bipartisan support, stating, “We are building a coalition of people... who are coming together to say, ‘You know what? This election is about putting country before party.’”
This coalition-building effort seems to resonate with younger voters; according to recent polling, 60 percent of voters aged 18 to 24 favor Harris over Trump, showcasing her effectiveness at mobilizing this demographic. Harris’s approach contrasts sharply with the former president's, leaning heavily on positivity and connection with the public through emotional storytelling and relatability.
Harris continued the energetic tone of her campaign by making headlines during her Stern interview, using clever commentary to minimize Trump. She quipped, “...in America, we call it a sore loser,” reflecting both her commitment to spirited engagement and her focus on joyful campaigning.
Beyond her direct appeal to youth, Harris has addressed broader issues such as the country’s role on the global stage. She stated, “Howard, we are so important to the rest of the world. We are a role model for what it means to do democracy,” reinforcing her vision of America as both diverse and resilient.
Through lively platforms and interviews, Harris aims to reshape the perception of her candidacy, focusing not just on electoral success but also on building cohesive community engagement. Her appearances signify the beginning of a campaign grounded not only on policies but on the belief of engaging voters through fun, memorable, and politically charged moments. “If you love our country, we gotta fight for our country,” Harris concluded passionately, urging listeners to take action and participate, ensuring their voices are heard.
