Kamala Harris: The Internet Phenomenon and the Return of the KHive

It was a small, humorous remark by US Vice President Kamala Harris that went viral last year: “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” Whether it was her laughter or the sudden turn to a philosophical statement, this line has spawned countless memes. On platforms like X and Instagram, users are now adding coconut and palm tree emojis to their profiles to reference the speech. Clips of Harris have been remixed into pop songs by artists like Charli XCX and Chappell Roan and spread rapidly on TikTok. This movement is the latest chapter in the long-standing online adoration for Kamala Harris, also known as KHive. The KHive, a term coined by MSNBC correspondent Joy-Ann Reid in 2017, gained momentum during Harris’ presidential campaign in 2019. However, the fan community became quieter when Harris became Vice President. With the recent announcement by President Biden to suspend his re-election campaign and support Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate, the KHive is re-forming. Courtney Phillips, founder of the grassroots organization Mamas4Kamala, reports that her group is rallying around Harris after Biden’s endorsement. Jotaka Eaddy, founder of the collective Win With Black Women, also confirms a resurgence of KHive energy. On Sunday, a Zoom call hosted by her group attracted over 40,000 participants and raised $1.5 million for the Harris Victory Fund. The KHive seems to be splitting, at least partially, into two groups: one comprises traditional supporters who have been loyal to Harris since her days as a senator, and the other consists of those who stand far to the left of Harris’ 2020 platform, following internet trends somewhat ironically and appreciating her less-scripted moments. A TikTok video by student Aly McCormick shows Harris laughing and dancing to a Charli XCX song, reflecting the recent enthusiasm of the extended fan base. McCormick plans to vote for Harris but doesn’t directly identify as a KHive member. Digital strategist Annie Wu Henry adds that small gestures like emojis offer a way to send supportive signals. Unlike Biden’s forced campaign memes, the Harris-triggered meme trend seems organic and authentic, providing a welcome touch of hope and fun in an unusual political landscape.