He cited the Afghanistan withdrawal, the southern border situation and rancorous school board debates as situations in which increasing numbers who were not vocally anti-Biden now feel that "how American institutions are telling the American public what they clearly see and understand to be true, is in fact not true. The Let's go, Brandon meaning goes back to an October NASCAR race. But its hidden G-rated camouflage has sparked others to use the saying more than the original expletive-laced chant. But who knows how long its shelf life will be, NBC News senior Washington correspondent Hallie Jackson also reported on TODAY. And if you object and are taking it too seriously, go away. Please consider making a gift today to support this vital public service. Instead of "Let's Go, Brandon!" the crowd was chanting, "F--- Joe Biden." A reading of the two chants may not do it justice, but there are videos galore, some of which appear at the end . America's presidents have endured meanness for centuries; Grover Cleveland faced chants of "Ma, Ma Wheres my Pa?" "But it's done with a little bit of a class. This past week, Bidens motorcade was driving past a "Lets Go Brandon" banner as the president passed through Plainfield, New Jersey. His Save America PAC now sells a $45 T-shirt featuring "Lets go Brandon" above an American flag. Ron DeSantis refers to the Biden Administration as the Brandon Administration. As the crowd chants 'Let's go, Brandon,' the governor explains his version of the origins of the phrase. It's not a search term that they were going to limit. "Before the expansion of social media a few years ago, there wasnt an easily accessible public forum to shout your nastiest and darkest public opinions," said Matthew Delmont, a history professor at Dartmouth College. The phrase began making the rounds in October 2021 following a NASCAR race at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. SIMON: Hampton Stall researches ideology and group cultures. Greg Abbott of Texas tweeted the phrase. The commander-in-chief was ambushed during a feel-good holiday event with children when an Oregon parent participating remotely interjected "Let's go Brandon," a phrase that is code for an . 2023 FOX Television Stations, until SAT 7:00 PM EST, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, signed off his greeting over the public address system with the phrase, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Waccholtz in 2003, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Watch: Fishermen spot sharks in huge feeding frenzy off Louisiana coast, St. Pete motorcyclist killed after colliding with SUV, struck by semi-truck on Skyway Bridge, One month ago, Harriet the eagle disappeared from her famous Florida nest, 3 Daughters head brewer killed in Skyway Bridge accident, company says, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, 8-year-old girl who performed solo wins big in cheer competition after team didn't show up, From Coconut Road to Moose Tracks, here's the scoop on how Publix creates its ice cream, North Port brush fire: Roads reopen after fire forces closures on I-75; schools evacuate as precaution. A simple, three-word exhortation "Let's go, Brandon!" that started spreading like wildfire across social media in October of 2021. [18][2][14] It has also been reported as a protest against perceived liberal bias in mainstream media, based on speculation that the reporter's description of the crowd's chant was intended to conceal anti-Biden sentiment. The phrase "Let's Go Brandon" has been chanted at football games, printed on T-shirts and repeated by U.S. politicians but what exactly does it mean? Let's go, Sylvia! Pro-Biden tweets Below, meanwhile, you'll find a sampling of some recent tweets showing the new . Initially, Thiessen was not a fan of the chant, but concluded his comments with, "it is a perfectly harmless and humorous way for Americans to express their frustration at a flailing and failing presidency. Some of the lyrics include: "That's what they get for treatin' us like we in Squid Games. [4][5] Later that month, the phenomenon spread to other universities, including Wyoming. Gov. The reporter suggested they were chanting "Let's go, Brandon" to cheer the driver. ", Veteran GOP ad maker Jim Innocenzi had no issues with the coded phrase. It's far less polarizing than "(Expletive) Joe Biden.". "Before the expansion of social media a few years ago, there wasnt an easily accessible public forum to shout your nastiest and darkest public opinions," said Matthew Delmont, a history professor at Dartmouth College. Sen. Mitch McConnells press secretary retweeted a photo of the phrase on a construction sign in Virginia. Why is that? "Let's Go Brandon," seen here on a sign at a college football game, is used as shorthand to insult President Biden. quickly spread among conservative groups and continues to be used in place of the direct expletive toward President Biden, even among members of Congress. ", A supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump displays a "Let's Go Brandon" hat before a campaign event for Terry McAuliffe, Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Virginia, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. A viral video from a Southwest flight from Houston to Albuquerque showed the pilot signingoff his greeting over the public address system with the phrase. DeSantis, others in the crowd respond with chants of 'Let's go Brandon' and We love Casey as deputies remove the man. Your support makes this possible. Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz mentioned it on a conservative podcast, calling it "one of the funniest things I've ever seen". CNN explains "Let's go Brandon " Makes January 6th comparison. Initial use of the phrase in an interview with Brandon Brown. And . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Let's go America," Brown concluded the op/ed. President Barack Obama was in office as social. In October 2021, Republican Rep. Bill Posey of Florida ended a House floor speech by saying Lets go, Brandon, while South Carolina Republican Jeff Duncan has worn a Lets Go Brandon face mask, and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has posed with a Lets Go Brandon sign. Brandon Brown, a 28-year-old driver, had won his first Xfinity Series and was being interviewed by an NBC Sports reporter. The phrase "Let's go, Brandon" actually means "F--- Joe Biden." Photos: 'Let's go, Brandon,' a cryptic code that insults President Joe Biden. NEW YORK - The phrase 'Let's go, Brandon' can be traced back to an Oct. 2 NASCAR race at the Talladega Superspeedway in . [55] In April 2022, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Florida by plaintiff Eric De Ford against the LGBcoin cryptocurrency company and its promoters Brandon Brown, NASCAR, and political commentator Candace Owens. Its all the rage among Republicans wanting to prove their conservative credentials, a not-so-secret handshake that signals theyre in sync with the partys base. Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images. ", Veteran GOP ad maker Jim Innocenzi had no qualms about the coded crudity, calling it "hilarious. However, it then became clear that the crowd was chanting F**k Joe Biden. "Let's go, Brandon" is a code that Republicans use to insult Joe Biden. And Southwest said in a statement after its pilot used the phrase that the airline takes pride in providing a welcoming, comfortable, and respectful environment and that behavior from any individual that is divisive or offensive is not condoned.. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from SAT 3:00 AM EST until SAT 11:00 AM EST, Coastal Ocean County, Eastern Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Western Monmouth County, from SAT 2:00 AM EST until SAT 9:00 AM EST, Southern Nassau County, Southern Queens County, from SAT 2:00 AM EST until SAT 1:00 PM EST, Northeast Suffolk County, Southeast Suffolk County, Southwest Suffolk County, from SAT 6:00 AM EST until SAT 12:00 PM EST, Bronx County, Northern Nassau County, Northern Queens County, Northwest Suffolk County, Southern Westchester County, Study: NFL players who experience concussions may exhibit cognitive failure later in life. On October 2, 2021, at a NASCAR race in Alabama, a driver named Brandon Brown won his first Xfinity Series. These are shibboleths, but barely hand gestures and certain flags and ways of signaling that are . [22], On November 5, 2021, NASCAR president Steve Phelps denounced any implied association with the slogan, saying that the organization does not want to be associated with politics on either the left or the right. . [38], Soon after the chant went viral, an anti-Biden rap song called "Let's Go Brandon" was recorded by Loza Alexander. Sane people aren't offended by it. There are some who say that part of the popularity of this whole Lets Go Brandon thing comes from people who like using a code to basically troll Democrats. "F***Trump" graffiti still marks many an overpass in Washington, DC. On social media, the phrase is commonly used as the hashtag #LetsGoBrandon. He later said: They are entitled to be outrageous, this is a democracy. The reporter suggested they were chanting "Lets go, Brandon" to cheer the driver. A portion of the U.S. was already angry before the Brandon moment, believing the 2020 presidential election was rigged despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary, which has stood the test of recounts and court cases. But the phrase was already growing in right-wing circles, and now the seemingly upbeat sentiment -- actually a stand-in for swearing at Joe Biden -- is everywhere. After the race, while reporter Kelli Stavast was interieving the winning driver, Brandon Brown, the crowd in the background could be heard loudly chanting Fuck Joe Biden. Stavast acknowledged the chanting and then incorrectly noted it as being a chant of Lets Go Brandon (likely because she couldnt hear the chant clearly and/or wanted to redirect attention back to Brown). Who is Brandon, and why is the phrase Let's Go, Brandon being heard on the floor of Congress? Photographer: A. Americas presidents have endured meanness for centuries; Grover Cleveland faced chants of "Ma, Ma Wheres my Pa?" STALL: And that word was printed all over different liberal brands. What does 'Let's Go Brandon', the latest phrase sweeping US politics, actually mean? In early October, at a NASCAR race at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama,Brandon Brownhad won his first Xfinity Series and was being interviewed by an NBC Sports reporter. The perfect tummy control bodysuit, a popcorn gadget, more bestsellers starting at $8. Let's go Brandon. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), abc.net.au/news/lets-go-brandon-joe-biden-explained/100587680, Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article, 'We have got the balance right': PM gives Greens' super demands short shrift, Australia's biggest drug bust: $1 billion worth of cocaine linked to Mexican cartel intercepted, After centuries of Murdaugh rule in the Deep South, the family's power ends with a life sentence for murder, 'How dare they': Possum Magic author hits out at 'ridiculous' Roald Dahl edits, Crowd laughs as Russia's foreign minister claims Ukraine war 'was launched against us', The tense, 10-minute meeting that left Russia's chief diplomat smoking outside in the blazing sun, Vanuatu hit by two cyclones and twin earthquakes in two days, Emily was studying law when she had to go to court. STALL: Yeah. He's having a good year, I'm kind of happy for him. Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson were the subject of poems that leaned into racist tropes and allegations of bigamy. 'Cause it's all for one and it's one for all. Chants of "Fuck Joe Biden" began during sporting events in early September 2021. "The Story Behind "Let's Go Brandon," the Secretly Vulgar Chant Suddenly Beloved by Republicans", "Biden's critics hurl increasingly vulgar taunts", "Why a Pilot Is Under Investigation for Saying 'Let's Go Brandon, "College students chant 'F--- Joe Biden' at football games", "University Of Wyoming Football Attendees Chant "F Joe Biden" During Saturday Game", "NBC NASCAR Reporter Kelli Stavast's Response To Anti-Joe Biden Chant Is Hilarious", "Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine slams COVID-19 restrictions during concert: 'This is called tyranny, "Protesters chant 'f*** Joe Biden and de Blasio' as thousands of teachers lose work due to vaccine mandate", "How 'Let's Go Brandon' became code for insulting Joe Biden", "Why are MAGA supporters chanting 'Let's Go Brandon' to mock Democrats? 2023 BBC. Sign up to receive GPB Event announcements via Email. Tennessee becomes first state to ban drag shows on public property, Amazon delays construction on second phase of HQ2 in Arlington, Cocktails lead beer as the nation's most money making alcoholic beverage. If you aren't already familiar with the topic, "Let's go Brandon" has become the favored chant of conservatives across the country a purportedly non-vulgar way of saying "F--k Joe Biden." In . In short, it's an insult directed at Democratic President Joe Biden - and a way for conservatives to thumb their noses at what they see as liberal bias in the mainstream media. SIMON: There is Brandon Brown, a champion NASCAR driver - won this month at Talladega. When Republican Rep. Bill Posey of Florida ended an Oct. 21 House floor speech with a fist pump and the phrase "Let's go, Brandon!" it may have seemed cryptic and weird to many who were . Let's go Brandon. Michael Pack is nearing the close of his turbulent tenure as CEO of the parent agency to the Voice of America. United States, Copyright 2023, Georgia Public Broadcasting. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. That makes them inimical to. The crowd behind him was chanting something at first difficult to make out. On Friday morning on a Southwest flight from Houston to Albuquerque, the pilot signed off his greeting over the public address system with the phrase, to audible gasps from some passengers. One message to supporters reads, "#FJB or LET'S GO BRANDON? [1] The slogan has become well known through use by Republican politicians and critics of Biden. It's not hate speech. The phrase was spotted on T-shirts as well as a banner pulled by a plane at Donald Trump's rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Saturday. [27] The following week, Republican representative Jeff Duncan wore a face mask with the phrase imprinted on it on the House floor. On Friday night, a Southwest Airlines pilot allegedly said "Let's go Brandon" over the plane intercom, causing a stir on board and prompting an investigation by the airline. Loud chants of "Fuck Joe Biden . Thank you so much for being with us. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz posed with a "Lets Go Brandon" sign at the World Series. Cruz posed with a Lets Go Brandon sign at the World Series. Sen. Mitch McConnells press secretary retweeted a photo of the phrase on a construction sign in Virginia. But it became increasingly clear they were saying: "F--- Joe Biden.". STALL: It's unclear exactly, like, without being inside of her head, if this was a genuine mishearing or if she was just trying to do damage control. Video'Trump or bust' - grassroots Republicans are still loyal, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry. Bill Clinton was criticized with such fervor that his most vocal critics were labeled the Clinton crazies.. GPB is committedto bringing you comprehensive news coverage from Georgia, across the country and around the world. This is not meant to be a formal definition of Lets Go Brandon like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is A group chanted "Let's go, Brandon" outside a Virginia park when Biden made an appearance on behalf of the Democratic candidate for governor, Terry McAuliffe. When Republican Rep. Bill Posey of Florida ended an Oct. 21 House floor speech with a fist pump and the phrase "Lets go, Brandon!" I mean, Facebook released that Let's Go, Brandon as a phrase is not a bannable term. Here's the clip. UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER #3: Electronic road signs that are posted near construction zones - well, some Northern Virginia residents woke up to a couple of them that didn't have messages about traffic. In the video, the crowd behind him is chanting "f*** Joe Biden" however, the NBC reporter is claiming the chant is . "[32], While President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were taking phone calls for NORAD's Santa tracker hotline on December 24, 2021, a caller ended his chat by saying, "Merry Christmas and let's go Brandon," to which President Biden smiled and responded, "Let's go Brandon, I agree. Matthew Delmont, a history professor at Dartmouth College, said that the big difference between the abuse then and now was the expansion of social media. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. The phrase became an internet meme after a TV journalist misinterpreted a crowd's chanted . [2] Texas Governor Greg Abbott used the phrase in an October 22 tweet. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. But the real thing that I see happening with the meme right now is that multiple political campaigns are, like, selling it on merch, that there's a lot of money to be made for people who are seizing the moment and selling. #LetsGoBrandon. As the creator and distributor of conservative memes through his now-banned Twitter account for years, Donald Trump has a keen eye for what will catch on with his supporters. Fox says the lawsuit threatens journalists' free speech. But that's not what these slogans are about. 28 on this week's #Hot100", "Kid Rock Chants 'Let's Go Brandon,' Slams Joe Biden & Dr. Fauci in New Song", "Cryptocurrency Meme Coin LGBcoin.io Announced as Full Season Primary Partner for Brandonbilt Motorsports", "NASCAR walks back 'Let's Go Brandon' sponsorship approval, Brandon Brown spokesperson says", "Cryptocurrency Meme Coin LGBcoin.io Serving as Primary Partner for Brandonbilt Motorsports in 2022 UPDATES", "NASCAR Rejects "Let's Go Brandon" Crypto Sponsorship, Team Pledges To Fight Back", "Influencers beware: promoting the wrong crypto could mean facing a class-action lawsuit", "How an author, a NASCAR star and a young boy flipped 'Let's Go Brandon' on its head", "How the phrase 'Let's go Brandon' made a little boy with autism feel loved", "Democrat Brandon Presley is running for governor", "The "Dark Brandon" Meme That Liberals Suddenly Love", "The "Dark Brandon Joe Biden Meme has Made its Way to the White House", "Biden: superhero, lame duck -- or both? One message to supporters reads, "#FJB or LETS GO BRANDON? Read about our approach to external linking. The phrase Let's Go, Brandon was boosted all over the country. When Republican Rep. Bill Posey of Florida ended an Oct. 21 House floor speech with a fist pump and the phrase 'Let's go, Brandon!' it may have seemed cryptic and weird to many who were listening. "[12], As the phrase began to increase in use, Brandon Brown found the phrase amusing[20] and tweeted: "To all the other Brandons out there, You're welcome! 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", "Congressional candidate sues to have "Let's Go Brandon" as a nickname on Colorado ballot", "Congressional candidate loses bid to go by 'Let's Go Brandon' on ballot", "Colorado Supreme Court says Lamborn challenger Dave Williams can't use 'Let's Go Brandon' on ballot", "Las Vegas rapper's song inspired by 'Let's go Brandon' meme, skyrockets on iTunes", "#1 hip-hop song on iTunes chart, "Let's Go, Brandon" inspired by anti-Biden meme", "@RealBrysonGray's "Let's Go Brandon," featuring @Tyson_James_ & @realCCrump, debuts at No. NASCAR and NBC have since taken steps to limit "ambient crowd noise" during interviews. [44] The music video for Gray's song, which included the line "Biden said the jab stop the spread, it was lies" (in reference to COVID-19 vaccination efforts by Biden) was taken down by YouTube for containing "medical misinformation". The phrase has been used in right-wing circles for nearly a year now - and has even been used by high-profile. Jeff Duncan, a Republican congressman from South Carolina, also shared a photo wearing a mask with the viral phrase. A first responder carries a sign reading "Our Body Our Choice Let's Go Brandon" before a press conference about vaccine mandates and first responders at the U.S. Capitol on Monday. Boxesto make the donation recurring every month, and to make an additional donation are already pre-checked). And I think that's probably fair. His Save America PAC now sells a $45 T-shirt featuring "Lets go Brandon" above an American flag. "[35], In April 2022, Colorado state representative Dave Williams ran for the House of Representatives and attempted to be listed on the ballot under the name "Dave 'Lets Go Brandon' Williams". He was quick to jump on the 'Let's Go Brandon' craze, and has blasted his supporters with text messages hoping to fundraise off the moment. OK, so it's different than that. SOUTHWEST PILOT UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR 'LET'S GO BRANDON'. Chants of "Fuck Joe Biden" began during sporting events in early September 2021. Last week, Bidens motorcade drove past a Lets Go Brandon banner as the president passed through Plainfield, New Jersey. Here's what it means, and how it came about. ", Five ways this Supreme Court could change America, Xi Jinping is unveiling a new deputy - why it matters, US lawyer jailed for murdering wife and son, More US ammunition to boost depleted Ukraine stock, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. The "Let's go Brandon" chant dates to an Oct. 2 trackside interview, conducted by an NBC Sports reporter with NASCAR driver Brandon Brown after he won a race. I mean, Karen, I think, is more of a, like, demographic stab. And as for the real Brandon, things haven't been so great. But search engines and moderators would be capable of catching it. Here's how these three words have quickly become an anti-Biden meme among conservatives. Good manners is not something they have ever suffered from, and the crowd cheered. The origin of this phenomenon is sad but also predictable,. "[33][34], At the 2022 White House Correspondents' Dinner, Biden acknowledged the phrase by joking, "Republicans seem to support one fella, some guy named Brandon. Nascar's Twitter account initially posted a video of the interview, but subsequently deleted it without explanation. The attempts for further-right groups to hijack the conversation right now have been mostly unsuccessful, with the exception being militia groups, which were already doing this kind of stuff anyway. You have one Republican aide who described the phrase to NBC News as an annoying boomer meme that's getting past its due date. Well see.. ", "How the Anti-Biden Song "Let's Go Brandon" Became a Shadow Smash", "How 'Let's go Brandon' became an anti-Biden conservative heckle", "NASCAR denounces 'Let's go, Brandon' conservative rally cry", "Southwest Airlines to investigate pilot's purported anti-Biden chant", "The anti-Biden 'let's go Brandon' chant made its way to a top video game streamer's channel", "Brandon Just Wants to Drive His Racecar", "Opinion: Three cheers for 'Let's Go Brandon, "Trump campaign sells 'Let's Go Brandon' T-shirts", "Gov. On October 21, Republican congressman Bill Posey concluded remarks on the House floor with "Let's go, Brandon". The biggest difference, though, between the sentiments hurled at the Grover Clevelands of yore and modern politicians is the amplification they get on social media. We've got a clip with NBC reporter Kelli Stavast, but we can't play it, right? Brown himself later told The New York Times, "I have zero desire to be involved in politics.". Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Mary Clare Jalonick, Brian Slodysko and Will Weissert in Washington and Jenna Fryer in Charlotte, N.C., contributed to this report. Here's why, Coney Island casino and resort: First look at name, renderings, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Giant bug found at an Arkansas Walmart identified as a Jurassic-era insect. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. [53] In response, investor James Koutoulas threatened a lawsuit against NASCAR, and called for a boycott until the decision was reversed. It's an in-joke, a wink and a nod for elected politicians and supporters to share andsay "hey, I'm a part of the team". A Southwest Airlines pilot is also facing an internal investigation for allegedly saying, Lets go, Brandon, over the intercom during a flight from Houston to Albuquerque last week. The crowd was chanting "F . [51] Brandonbilt's spokesman told Fox Business that approval was received on December 26,[52] but on January 5, 2022, FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass reported that NASCAR had not approved the sponsorship. [26] He attributed the popularity of the phrase to frustration with Biden's "disastrous policies", including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the southern border. HAMPTON STALL: It's good to be here. A supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump displays a "Let's Go Brandon" hat before a campaign event for Terry McAuliffe, Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Virginia, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. : I suppose the feeling that they really pulled one over is the point! has become a popular refrain among US conservatives. DeSantis explains origins of 'Let's go, Brandon' Speaking in West Palm on Wednesday, Nov. 3, Florida Gov. [49], After the president fell off his bike in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in June 2022, a Google Maps user listed the spot as a historical landmark on Google maps named Brandon Falls. Some conservatives view Ms Stavast's attribution of the Biden chant as yet another example of the media covering up for and protecting Biden by downplaying what they view as the depth of the president's unpopularity. The phrase "Let's Go Brandon" has been chanted at football games, printed on T-shirts and repeated by U.S. politicians but what exactly does it mean? And if you object and are taking it too seriously, go away.". McWhorter described the Let's Go Brandon phenomenon as "simply fascinating", and a "wild, woolly kink in the intersection of language, politics, wit, and creativity. As Biden made his speech, someone shouted Lets go, Brandon over and over again. [29][30][31], On November 12, 2021, when asked about Biden's views regarding the phrase, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded, "I don't think he spends much time focused on it or thinking about it. reflective roof coating for asphalt shingles, neprijatie zubneho implantatu,