Kamala Harris Embraces Viral 'Coconut Tree' Meme Following Biden's Endorsement

The vice president’s supporters show their solidarity through coconut and tree emojis

In the wake of President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic ticket, a peculiar trend has gripped social media: the coconut and tree emojis.

The phenomenon traces back to a moment during a speech by Harris on May 10, 2023, where she humorously recalled her mother's admonishment of young people, saying, "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?" Harris emphasized the interconnectedness of individuals within their communities and histories, a message that resonated deeply with her supporters.

After Biden's endorsement on July 21, 2024, members of the "KHive," Harris's dedicated base, flooded social platforms with coconut and tree emojis in solidarity. Influential figures like Colorado Governor Jared Polis and organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and Emily's List joined in, integrating the symbols into their profiles and posts.

Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii even playfully embraced the meme by sharing a photo of himself climbing a coconut tree, signaling readiness to support Harris in her presidential aspirations with the caption, "Madam Vice President, we are ready to help."

The meme has since evolved, adapting to include references to current events and other internet trends, showcasing its versatility and enduring popularity. Social media users continue to celebrate and share Harris's memorable quote, with one post garnering widespread attention for creatively integrating the meme into the cultural zeitgeist.

Recognizing its impact, even the renowned internet meme database Know Your Meme commemorated the one-year anniversary of Harris's speech, underscoring its viral nature and lasting influence on online discourse.

As Harris gears up for the 2024 campaign trail, the "coconut tree" meme stands as a testament to her ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire a wave of digital engagement, shaping the narrative surrounding her candidacy in the upcoming election.