Message to Joe Biden: President Brandon attracts the votes
In fewer than six weeks, a derisively tongue-in-cheek chant has taken over the US, from sports stadiums to the halls of congress.
In fewer than six weeks, a derisively tongue-in-cheek chant has taken over the US, from sports stadiums to the halls of congress.
“Let’s go Brandon” started during a television interview with NASCAR driver Brandon Brown after he won a race in Alabama on October 2.
Raising her voice in order to be heard, the NBC reporter said: “As you can hear the chants from the crowd: Let’s go Brandon.” In fact, the crowd could clearly be heard chanting “F..k you Biden!”.
The speed at which the coded insult has spread through a polarised country reflects the deterioration of political debate in a post-Donald Trump world, as well as President Joe Biden’s own plummeting popularity.
The journalist’s gaffe, combined with Brown’s joy, was enough to make the clip go viral. And the slogan “Let’s go Brandon” became an easy way to deride Mr Biden, but without using a swear word.
In recent weeks, even prominent Republican politicians have used the phrase, drawing condemnation from Democrats.
Among them is conservative and pro-Trump Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whom many see as a White House contender for the 2024 election.
During a speech in West Palm Beach, where Mr Trump lives, Mr DeSantis mocked the “Brandon administration”.
He is one of many conservative leaders who have helped bring the slogan out of far-right circles by making it seem acceptable. South Carolina Representative Jeff Duncan caused a stir by wearing a “Let’s Go Brandon”-printed mask in the House of Representatives. Texas Governor Greg Abbott tweeted the slogan, and Texas senator Ted Cruz posed with a “Let’s Go Brandon” sign.
After landing a flight from Houston to Albuquerque, a Southwest Airlines pilot said the phrase over the plane intercom.
AFP
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