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US Elections 2024

Democratic 'Coachella': DNC's 'cringe-worthy' attempts at relatability sparks backlash

In addition to sweeping over the Palestinian plight, the event is under fire for bending over backwards for Gen-Z
Comedian Stephen Colbert (R) speaks with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while holding a package of bratwursts labelled 'Kamala is brat' ahead of Democratic National Convention, on 18 August 2024 in Chicago, Illinois (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images via AFP)
By Maysa Mustafa
Published date: 22 August 2024 22:02 BST | Last update: 3 weeks 3 days ago

As the Democratic National Convention is criticised for its refusal to offer pro-Palestine delegates a space on stage in Chicago – home to the largest Palestinian diaspora community in the US – there is an additional layer that has added to the criticism for those that are critical of the Democratic Party: the repeated “cringe-worthy" moments that aim to appeal to the masses, specifically Gen-Z.

Whether it's a performance from yesterday's stars – like Lil Jon – or the random cultural references to Game of Thrones or Charli XCX’s Brat Summer, the Democratic Party is unapologetic in its attempt at being relatable rather than focusing on substantive issues.

Nearly a month before the DNC, during the peak of Vice President Harris’ meme-filled presidential campaign announcement, an X user posted that the “liberal’s mind is trapped in a Disneyland perspective of the world”. 

Social media users have echoed this sentiment as they switch between watching the onslaught continuing in the Gaza Strip, pro-Palestine protests that have received brutal responses by Chicago police (as well as little media attention), and the glitz and glam of the DNC. 

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On Twitch, Caroline Kwan switched between the live stream of the Uncommitted sit-in (which was in protest against the DNC's refusal to invite a Palestinian on stage to talk about Gaza but inviting an Israeli hostage's family on stage) and John Legend's performance inside the United Center. 

Some online users have even compared the convention to the Coachella festival – which is notorious for being a playground for influencers and celebrities.

A European user also saw the similarities. 

'This doesn't insult your intelligence?'

There was an outpour of backlash online. One comment pointed out Mindy Kaling’s reference-packed introduction of former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. 

“This woman was doing BRAT before BRAT was BRAT. Ladies and gentlemen, the mother of dragons, Nancy Pelosi!”

For many online users, this was the epitome of the DNC – celebrity faces using trendy references in an attempt to make Democratic politicians seem more “normal”. 

A few also pointed out the irony in referencing the Game of Thrones character, Daenerys Targaryen, who notoriously burned down an entire city in the final season.  

Another event that brought swift reactions was the clear intent to “Obamify” the Harris campaign.
 
For example, the artist who made the iconic 2008 “Hope” poster, Shepard Fairey, has made a reiteration for Harris, titled “Forward”. 

Both Barack and Michelle Obama took the United Center stage to endorse Harris, dusting off the same message of “hope” they used back in 2008. 

“America, hope is making a comeback, and we’re joyous,” Michelle Obama said. 

She continued to compare Democrats to Republicans, saying, “We don’t cheat others to get ahead. We don’t get to change the rules so we always win.” 

This prompted a response from presidential candidate Dr Jill Stein, who claimed that the Democratic Party is attempting to sue the Green Party off of state ballots.

President Obama’s speech was reminiscent of his 2016 campaign speeches filled with witty insults aimed at Donald Trump – including a jab about Trump’s obsession with “crowd sizes” that many interpret as being a double entendre. 

In addition to the Obamas, there were familiar faces on stage in the last couple of days who were also very visible during Obama's presidential campaigns. Oprah Winfrey was one of them.

Many posted about the hypocrisy of using a billionaire – as well as the Obamas who are now millionaires after their book and podcast deals – to attempt to relate to average Americans. 
 

For many in the US, the “Obamification” is something to celebrate. After Michelle Obama’s speech, Vox published an expose stating that she “articulated something Democrats have been afraid to say” and that the party has regained the hope it lost. 

The Washington Post also praised the Obamas by focusing on another aspect of their DNC appearances – their sartorial choices.

For many who are frustrated with the DNC’s lack of empathy with Palestinians in Gaza, this struck a nerve. 

Another user said it is "wallpaper over the same white supremacy infested same-old-same-old". 

Another user echoed this sentiment, stating that there is a clear motive to capture the emotions of disenfranchised Black Americans. 

As the DNC comes to a close on Thursday, the American public seems to be more polarised than it was before. 

As many go online to celebrate the entertainment of the DNC, others are focusing on what the entire election relies on for them – a ceasefire in Gaza and an arms embargo on Israel. 

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