Kamala Harris Goes Viral: The Coconut Ice Cream Campaign
In a delightful twist of political engagement, Vice President Kamala Harris has captured the internet’s attention with a lighthearted inquiry about coconut trees. This seemingly innocuous question has blossomed into a full-fledged campaign, culminating in the creation of a special ice cream flavor inspired by the Vice President herself.
The Birth of “Kamala’s Coconut Jubilee”
MoveOn, a progressive public policy advocacy group, has teamed up with Ben & Jerry’s co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield to launch “Kamala’s Coconut Jubilee.” This limited-edition ice cream flavor features a coconut base swirled with caramel and adorned with festive red, white, and blue star sprinkles. The initiative aims not only to celebrate Harris but also to engage voters in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
The Scoop the Vote Tour
The campaign kicks off with the “Scoop the Vote” ice cream truck tour, which begins in Philadelphia. Cohen and Greenfield will be on hand to serve up free scoops while promoting voter registration in key battleground states. The tour will make 20 stops in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada—areas that are crucial for determining the outcome of the upcoming election. At each stop, attendees will have the chance to win pints of the special ice cream flavor, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for potential voters.
Engaging the Unengaged
Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn, emphasized the importance of reaching out to those who may not be actively engaged in the electoral process. “There’s a ton of folks that are already tuned into this election, and then there’s a vast, vast set of folks that aren’t,” she explained. The ice cream truck serves as a unique opportunity to draw in those who might not otherwise consider voting, making the process more approachable and enjoyable.
The Political Landscape
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris finds herself in a competitive race against former President Donald Trump. Polls indicate a tight contest, with Harris holding a slight lead nationally but facing challenges in battleground states. For instance, she leads Trump in Wisconsin (50% to 44%) and Michigan (48% to 43%), while the two candidates are in a dead heat in states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. The ice cream truck initiative aims to bolster Harris’s support among undecided voters, particularly in these critical areas.
More Than Just Ice Cream
The Scoop the Vote tour is not solely about serving ice cream; it’s also about fostering conversations around key issues that matter to voters. Volunteers will engage attendees in discussions about pressing topics such as the economy and reproductive rights. Epting noted, “We’re not going to win this election through New York Times op-eds. We’re going to win this election by actually talking to the voters.”
A Flavor for Every Meme
In addition to “Kamala’s Coconut Jubilee,” the ice cream truck will feature other flavors inspired by popular memes and political themes. For example, there’s “Unburdened by What Has Vanilla Bean” and “Fight For Our Rights Sorbet.” These playful names not only add to the fun but also serve as conversation starters about the candidates and their platforms.
The Heart Behind the Flavor
Cohen, who created the Harris-inspired ice cream, expressed his desire for a return to decency in politics. “I want to get a common decency at a minimum in the White House,” he stated. His commitment to supporting candidates who advocate for inclusivity and equality is evident in this initiative, which aims to energize the Democratic base and encourage voter participation.
A Legacy of Political Flavors
This isn’t the first time Cohen and Greenfield have used ice cream as a vehicle for political expression. In 2016, Cohen released a special flavor in support of Senator Bernie Sanders, and he followed up with another limited edition flavor for Sanders in 2019. Their continued involvement in political campaigns through ice cream reflects a unique blend of activism and creativity.
Conclusion: A Sweet Strategy for Engagement
As the 2024 election looms, the partnership between MoveOn and the co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s represents a novel approach to voter engagement. By combining the joy of ice cream with the seriousness of civic duty, the Scoop the Vote tour aims to inspire a new generation of voters to participate in the democratic process. With flavors like “Kamala’s Coconut Jubilee” and a mission to engage the unengaged, this campaign is sure to leave a lasting impression on the political landscape.