“Brat Summer” has infiltrated many elements of present-day culture, but no one could have anticipated it infiltrating the political sphere, particularly within the presidential election. Kamala Harris has used the “brat summer” effect to her advantage to target younger audiences and spark involvement in the campaign with political merch.
Gen-Z was sent into a frenzy when the Kamala Harris media team took this theme to the next level and released a camo trucker hat embroidered with orange thread reading Harris-Walz. The ironically American style is so trendy that any young individual who likes iced coffee, vintage shopping, and Charli XCX would wear it in a heartbeat. The website describes the hat as “the most iconic political hat in America” and proceeded to sell out almost immediately.
Though the hat may seem random or even frivolous, political merchandise is one of the most underrated elements of a campaign. Besides raising publicity and support, effective merchandise can sell for millions, becoming a major source of campaign funds. Unfortunately, looking back at the archive of political merch, there is no solid evidence of Abraham Lincoln selling top hats, or George Washington creating a line of wooden teeth. Nevertheless, recent American candidates have released some peculiar and unique merchandise worth noting.
John Delaney’s “Memory Erasers”
Delaney’s 2020 Campaign website sold “memory erasers” to supposedly forget the ramblings of his opponent for $1 each.
Jeb Bush’s “Guace Bowl”
Bush went the culinary route and started selling a $75 “Guace bowl”: a specific Mexican mortar to make guacamole in. The media gave him a hard time about this merchandise. It is certainly a creative concept, but for $75, most people would opt for a bowl from Crate & Barrel over a political candidate.
Mitch McConnell’s Cocaine Merch
McConnell sold a $35 shirt referencing a title given to him by an opponent: “Cocaine Mitch.” The controversial political merch featuring his profile along with a dust of cocaine raised thousands of dollars for his campaign.
Sherrod Brown’s Puppy Mug
Before dropping out of the 2020 presidential race, Brown sold a mug with a portrait of his dog Franklin. He may not have won the election, but Franklin certainly did.
Marsha Blackburn’s Beer Koozi
Blackburn followed in the beverage industry and sold a beer koozie in the shape of a red cowboy boot in reference to her Tennessee roots.
Rand Paul’s Flip Flops and More
Paul went the extra mile and produced not only one item of political merch but nine separate products. The most peculiar among the collection were an “NSA Spy Cam Blocker”, flip flops and an autographed travel-size constitution that sold for thousands of dollars.
The final and most obviously famous political merch is the Trump red baseball cap reading MAGA—a clear expression of beliefs to all that wear it. Kamala coming out with her own version of a hat may certainly be an open opposition and reclaiming of the type of voices she wants to target and the future she seeks for the country.
People always say you are what you wear or consume, and that certainly applies to political merchandise. They are physical manifestations of what you believe and a way to outwardly express it to others. Put on a camo hat or make guacamole in a $75 bowl, but do not forget the deeper cultural significance of what these purchases mean.
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