Coconut-Pilled: Will “Khive” Irony Lead to Kamala Harris Votes?
July 05, 2024Key Takeaways
- VP Kamala Harris is becoming fodder for the rumor mill as speculations about Joe Biden pulling out of the presidential race mount.
- While Harris has very low approval even among Democrats, many are beginning to question whether she would have better odds against Trump than Biden, fueling theories that the Democratic Party may replace him.
- The main themes of conversation online, however, involve memes and jokes about the vice president’s public persona, with Democrats often expressing ironic support.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
10,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
1 Day
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
The possibility of Kamala Harris replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee is generating significant buzz online. Voter reactions are heavily shaped by political affiliations and perceptions of Harris's performance and qualifications—much of which involves mocking and irony from both Democrats and Republicans.
Conversations reveal a growing tension about the presidential election as Democrats scramble in the wake of Biden’s debate disaster. Concerns about Biden's viability flood Democratic conversations, also bringing up uncertainties about Harris’s electability.
Amid rumors that President Biden’s family are urging him to stay in the race and rumblings that elected Democrats are turning on Biden, voter speculation about Kamala Harris exploded on Wednesday.
A bifurcated sentiment in the Democratic Party suggests panic and fear at the prospect of losing the general election, with disagreements on how to move forward. This is echoed loudly through tweets urging fast and decisive action by Democratic leaders, but without agreement on what action should be taken.
There is a feeling deep concern as Harris's approval ratings are abysmal, although in some cases better than Biden’s. Her public speaking skills and overall performance in office are also often used as the punchline to a joke.
Democrats Ironically Support the Khive
There are speculations that Kamala Harris is gaining support from party leaders, including people like Michelle Obama. However, her incompetence and confusing way of speaking are often the subject of memes and jokes. Many people mock her catch phrases and strange comments, reposting them online.
A certain line Harris used in a speech referring to falling out of a coconut tree has become a viral meme.
"You think you just fell out of a coconut 🥥 tree?
— Laina Media (@media_laina) February 11, 2024
Kamala Harris
You know sometimes I feel I've seen enough dumb videos online and then I come across this 👇 pic.twitter.com/fSX0UAyBNH
Many Democratic voters are beginning to voice ironic support for the VP, as Joe Biden seems to be thrown completely by the wayside. These ironic supporters talk about being “coconut-pilled” and joining the “khive” in solidarity with Harris replacing Biden.
so khive pilled right now i am about to transcend and exist in the context of all in which i live, and what came before me
— anthony musa (@anthonydmusa) July 2, 2024
All of a sudden I feel as though I’ve fallen out of a coconut tree and am ready to exist in a context in which we live
— Carter Christensen (@CarterChristens) July 2, 2024
Some go so far as to advocate for using the 25th Amendment to replace President Joe Biden with Harris, though this suggestion is often framed with a heavy dose of irony and sarcasm. Critics on both sides of the aisle seem unconvinced of Harris's abilities to lead effectively and stabilize the country.
Although much of the conversation is making fun of her, some insist there is a growing swell of support behind VP Harris. Even if it starts as jokes and memes, some Democratic voters are hopeful real votes will materialize out of the energized base.
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. call yourself ‘coconut-pilled’ or whatever. declare yrself a context fan. we might actually twet thru this one
— Kelly Weill (@KELLYWEILL) July 2, 2024
Panic in the Democratic Party
There is high anxiety among Democrats about the party's future, with a feeling of doom if either Biden or Harris remain on the ticket. The discourse oscillates between suggestions for fresh candidates and reinforcing the need for unity behind the Biden-Harris administration.
Many voice angst at the lack of viable alternative candidates in the Democratic Party. Harris skeptics point out a lack of enthusiasm for her as a potential presidential candidate, often noting a change in leadership should not automatically default to her.
However, some argue criticisms aimed at Harris stem from systemic biases and a lack of understanding of her strategic value within the Democratic Party. They stress the importance of rallying behind Harris and Biden to ensure a cohesive front and to maintain funds raised for the campaign.
Following the debate debacle, there’s a growing rift between different factions in the Democratic Party. Progressive wings are split between backing Harris or seeking alternatives who might align more closely with their vision of the party's future. This division becomes glaringly apparent as some liberal Democrats advocate for people Gavin Newsom, angering black female voters who oppose another white male candidate.
Democrat Infighting Grows More Complex
Conversations about Biden’s fitness to run and concerns about Kamala Harris have a compounding effect on existing splits in the Democratic base. The party is also contending with infighting about the Israel-Hamas conflict and growing dissatisfaction about the border.
While many are now admitting Biden's age issues and clear cognitive decline, they still express a degree of loyalty to him. Meanwhile, a growing number of voices are expressing fear that Biden could not win, should he stay in the race. Despite poor approval ratings for both Biden and Harris, some insist she may have a better chance.
Progressives and leftists are more likely to outright reject both Biden and Harris, criticizing them for not being progressive enough. They say the administration has failed to meet the demands of the leftist agenda. Their calls often promote a more radical shift away from centrist policies. However, some progressives believe Harris could potentially be more adaptable and progressive than Biden.
- While both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have poor approval ratings, Harris shows greater support on some of the top issues voters care about.
Republicans Watch with Satisfaction
Among Republican voters, the general sentiment towards Kamala Harris is overwhelmingly negative. Many Republicans view Harris as unqualified and cringey, often pointing to her tenure as the "border czar" and mocking her lack of achievement.
They argue Harris was chosen for her identity as a black woman rather than her capabilities. The idea of Harris handling significant issues such as nuclear negotiations with Russia or managing the ongoing tensions with Ukraine is seen as unfathomable and troubling by this group.
Some also promote theories about Harris merely being a placeholder for another candidate, like Gavin Newsom. There are also speculations that, despite being deeply unpopular, Democrats may view Harris as malleable and controllable. They say, if the party cannot run a “Weekend at Bernie's” candidate like Biden, Harris is a close second.
Conservative and Republican posts are often sarcastic, making fun of both Biden and Harris for their weaknesses and failings. Many on the right, however, express hope that Biden will not be replaced and can be easily defeated by Donald Trump.