DNC’s Unconvincing Gen-Z Circus

Chicago’s hottest club this week was the Democratic National Convention, where Gen-Z TikTokers, Olivia Rodrigo stans (like fans, only more obsessive), and social-media influencers gathered to support presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Nearly 200 stars were in the United Center’s “Creator Lounge” this week, a zone with an open bar and string lights, reserved exclusively for influencers.

“Hotties for Harris,” a warehouse party thrown at the DNC by and for certified Brats, was the Gen-Z hot zone. In one corner sat a musty couch with a “Property of J.D. Vance” sign lying on top of it, a reference to the (very) false claim that Vance had sex with a couch, circulated online by Democrats after Donald Trump announced his vice-presidential pick. There was merchandise galore at the event, including “Hotties for Harris” bucket hats and tank tops and free condoms that read “F*** Project 2025.” GIFs of Kamala Harris dancing were projected, signs that read “Tim Waltz [sic] Got Me Laid” were hung, TikTok dances were danced, and feminist mini-golf was played. A gumball machine distributing the morning-after pill read “Plan B, nom nom nom.”

About the Author

Haley Strack

Haley Strack is a former staff writer at National Review.

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Chicago’s hottest club this week was the Democratic National Convention, where Gen-Z TikTokers, Olivia Rodrigo stans (like fans, only more obsessive), and social-media influencers gathered to support presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Nearly 200 stars were in the United Center’s “Creator Lounge” this week, a zone with an open bar and string lights, reserved exclusively for influencers.

“Hotties for Harris,” a warehouse party thrown at the DNC by and for certified Brats, was the Gen-Z hot zone. In one corner sat a musty couch with a “Property of J.D. Vance” sign lying on top of it, a reference to the (very) false claim that Vance had sex with a couch, circulated online by Democrats after Donald Trump announced his vice-presidential pick. There was merchandise galore at the event, including “Hotties for Harris” bucket hats and tank tops and free condoms that read “F*** Project 2025.” GIFs of Kamala Harris dancing were projected, signs that read “Tim Waltz [sic] Got Me Laid” were hung, TikTok dances were danced, and feminist mini-golf was played. A gumball machine distributing the morning-after pill read “Plan B, nom nom nom.”