Brat vs. Demure: What Do You Want In a Presidential Candidate?

Problematic Women

Americans over the age of 25 have been thoroughly confused since singer Charli XCX wrote on X “Kamala IS brat” the day President Joe Biden dropped out of the race for president and endorsed his vice president to be his successor.

No, Charli XCX was not calling Harris a brat, but was saying she “is brat.” The singer released an album titled “Brat” in June, and the expression “brat summer” proceeded to take on a life of its own. Confused? So were we.

According to the Urban Dictionary, “brat summer” means “An unapologetic party or ‘messy’ girl aesthetic for the summer based on the vibes of Charli XCX’s new album, ‘Brat.’” The album includes songs with titles like “Club Classics” and “Mean Girls.”

Whether or not Harris embraces the Gen Z “brat summer” vibes, the label stuck. The media have not had the opportunity to ask Harris how she feels about being called “brat” because the Democratic presidential candidate has not done an interview with the media since she became the party's nominee. But that will change Thursday when Harris sits down for an interview with CNN chief political correspondent Dana Bash.

Hopefully, Bash's questions go much deeper than Harris' opinions on being called “brat.”

Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will sit for the interview alongside Harris, a move that has received criticism from conservatives.

“The woman who wants to be the first female president of the United States can’t do an interview on her own? Interesting … and embarrassing,” political commentator Katie Pavlich wrote on X.

Despite Harris’ absence of news media interviews or clear policy proposals, the American people can safely assume a Harris administration will be Biden administration 2.0.

On this week’s edition of “Problematic Women,” we launch our first live video show with a deep dive into the Democratic National Convention, Harris’ avoidance of the press, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to drop out of the race and endorse former President Donald Trump.