Joe Biden Vs Dark Brandon Where it came from and How it’s Helped the Biden Campaign
Meme showing president with red, laser like eyes that subverts rightwing chant is responsible for over half campaign merch sales
The Dark Brandon nickname (or alter ego) applied to US President Joe Biden in memes and social media posts. Although the name was initially (and is still sometimes) used in a mocking way based on the anti-Biden phrase “Let’s Go Brandon,” it later came to be used positively (and often with humorous intent) by supporters of Biden, such as a way of celebrating what they view as his political victories or policy achievements. Supporters typically use Dark Brandon as a way of depicting an edgier, more combative Biden (often paired with real-life catch phrases associated with Biden, such as “no malarkey”). In Dark Brandon memes, Biden is often depicted as a powerful being with supernatural powers, such as having glowing eyes capable of shooting laser beams. This style of intentionally over-the-top imagery is thought to be based on (and often to be a response to) imagery used in “Dark MAGA” memes used by supporters of former president Donald Trump to depict or promote political retribution12.
The meme has helped Biden’s campaign by boosting his campaign merchandise sales. According to a report by Axios, items, including mugs and T-shirts, are responsible for more than half of the Biden campaign’s merchandising sales 12. The meme’s popularity led to its inclusion in Biden’s reelection campaign merchandise, contributing significantly to fundraising efforts.
Joe Biden’s re-election team has apparently discovered a fundraising boon by subverting a foul-mouthed rightwing chant.
Biden’s campaign has seized upon the Dark Biden concept, and the image of a smiling, crimson-eyed Biden has been slapped on all manner of campaign merchandise.
Visitors to the Biden-Harris official store can purchase Dark Brandon baseball caps, tote bags, and other paraphernalia, and according to Axios the “Dark” items are responsible for 54% of the store’s revenue.
The surge in revenue comes at a good time for the Biden campaign, which has been struggling to raise money from small donors, defined as people who donate $200 or less
