While the Democrats and Republicans often find themselves at odds over a variety of issues, there appears to be one peculiar aspect they surprisingly seem to agree upon – using the term ‘hot’ as a buzzword to swoon the dynamic, young crowd. The trend started off with groups like ‘Hot Girls for Zohran’ campaigning for Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary for the New York mayoral race. Another example includes ‘Hotties for Harris’, sarcastically labeled for a post-convention celebration during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The usage of the term ‘hot’ also found its way onto the other side of the political spectrum, with initiatives like the right-wing women’s magazine, ‘The Conservateur’. They boldly display their stance with bright pink hats that sporting the rather audacious slogan, ‘Make America Hot Again’. The political commentator, Raquel Debono, confusingly describes her social mixers for conservatives with the same phrase, eventually declaring, ‘Hotness is a bipartisan issue.’
In a rather bizarre attempt to seem relevant and cool, politicians seem to conspicuously blend in some trendy language into the political dialogue. The terminology is meant to paint politicians not as solemn, glasses-wearing policy nerds, but as vibrant, internet-savvy individuals. It’s a poorly masked attempt to make you want to join them, and maybe even support their cause.
The term ‘hot’ began to surface in political circles with the #HotGirlsForBernie movement, a social media campaign that sprouted during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. The campaign was a doomed attempt to portray Senator Bernie Sanders’s supporters as more than mere ‘Bernie Bros’. It’s fascinating to examine how this term has spread across party lines, adopted by any group eager to pitch its ideological or literal appeal.
The comedian, Mary Beth Barone, a resident of Brooklyn, feeling uninspired following the outcome of the disastrous 2024 presidential elections, decided to address progressive political subjects via a social media video series. Her goal- to rejuvenate politics that has long been dominated by grey-hairs and to make it more appealing. Barone commented that the term ‘hot’ has an inherent appeal and could encourage folks to be involved.
Despite its perceived popularity, many are questioning the effectiveness of using the term ‘hot’ in politics. Rather than contributing anything of substance to the political discourse, it seems to merely act as a thin veneer designed to make the mundane appear exotic. Whether it’s ‘Hot Girls for Zohran,’ or ‘Hotties for Harris,’ there is no escaping the fact that these political players are trying to use surface aesthetics and sophomoric terms to woo potential voters.
As we look more closely into the politicians and the groups using such tactics, it’s evident that the term ‘hot’ is ineffectually trying to inject a dose of modernity into their campaigns. Their hope is that by doing so, they can attract a younger, more digital-savvy audience. Despite attempting to don the guise of being ‘cool’, underneath it all, they remain the same, shrouded by their dated policies and ideologies.
Drawing attention to the use of the word ‘hot’ across the political spectrum, it’s clear that public figures and political organizations are trying to wear a cloak of youth and innovation. However, when this is combined with their actions and voiced objectives, it feels like a mockery of the younger generation’s values and priorities.
While often used as a way to portray themselves as engaging and progressive, the forced use of such trendy terminology as ‘hot’ by political entities easily falls flat. This is particularly noticeable in the case of raucous gatherings like ‘Hot Girls for Zohran’ or ‘Hotties for Harris.’
Taking into account the desperate posturing of political players to appear ‘hot,’ one wonders whether these are sincere attempts at engaging the younger demographic, or a mere smoke and mirrors approach to cover their inability to address the issues that matter to this demographic. The real power lies not in appearing ‘hot’, but in validated instances of upholding the ideals and beliefs of the youth.
So, when we witness outdated parties trying to renew their image by slapping the adjective ‘hot’ in front of their campaign slogans, it can be interpreted as disingenuous. It’s akin to rebranding without altering their underlying ideologies or addressing key societal issues.
These political gimmicks, such as labeling a party with the word ‘hot,’ seem more like a distraction strategy to divert voters’ attention from the more critical policy-focused issues that should take precedence. It does more than merely cheapen the political landscape; it derogates the seriousness attached to the political process and the issues at stake.
Looking at the broader picture, such bungled attempts to appear ‘hot’ and trendy end up further alienating politicians from the segments of society they are trying to reach. Rather than resonating with their values and concerns, they end up appearing out of touch with reality and lacking in substance.
Moving forward, politicians and campaign strategists need to understand that engagement with the youth calls for more than simply using fashionable buzzwords. It requires a deep understanding of their concerns, aspirations, and value systems. Only then can they develop policies that truly reflect the needs and desires of the youth.
As we review these efforts to imbue the world of politics with a sense of ‘hotness,’ it’s clear that they are fruitless. The reality of politics can’t be glossed over with catchy phrases or trendy terms. The term ‘hot,’ or any other trendy jargon for that matter, does not possess some magical power to transform the political landscape.
The use of these trendy catchphrases, albeit humorously in some cases, depicts an alarming trend. It draws attention away from an in-depth understanding and addressing of key political concepts, issues, and policy debates. It’s high time politicians realize the true essence of politics isn’t about appearing ‘hot’ but about effectively serving the people.
The post Biden, Harris Fail to Look Cool with Ephemeral ‘Hot’ Term appeared first on Real News Now.
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