Think of it a bit like a secret handshake for American conservatives, but it's notthat secret. Lets go, Brandon is a code that Republicans use to insult Joe Biden. He's having a good year, I'm kind of happy for him. 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. And that's used across the political spectrum. Please follow our rules. Brown himself later told The New York Times, "I have zero desire to be involved in politics.". Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images. CNN explains "Let's go Brandon " Makes January 6th comparison. 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. said the league didn't want to be associated with politics. And while that win his first career victory was huge for him, the team has long struggled for sponsorship and existing partners have not been marketing the driver since the slogan. It all started at the end of a televised Nascar stock car race in Talladega, Alabama, on 2 October. Parody children'sbooks were written making fun of him. "Let's Go Brandon," seen here on a sign at a college football game, is used as shorthand to insult President Biden. [47][48], In early November, the right-wing[49] crypto coin LGBcoin (LGB) began trading,[50] and on December 30, 2021, LGBcoin announced that it would be sponsoring Brandon Brown's Brandonbilt Motorsports for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Then Ken. The phrase was spotted on T-shirts as well as a banner pulled by a plane at Donald Trump's rally at . As for Facebook, leaked company documents have recently revealed how the platform increasingly ignored hate speech and misinformation and allowed it to proliferate. "Let's go, Brandon!" has become a popular refrain among US conservatives. 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). [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. A day later, Gov. All, all, all, we the people, we the people. That's not true with Let's Go, Brandon, right? in the 1880s over rumors hed fathered an illegitimate child. 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? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. It's a recurring meme on right-wing social media websites. Cruz posed with a Lets Go Brandon sign at the World Series. ", Overwhelmingly, yes. Instead, the phrase is being used in conservative circles in place of a more vulgar message directed at President Biden. [53] In response, investor James Koutoulas threatened a lawsuit against NASCAR, and called for a boycott until the decision was reversed. [1] The slogan has become well known through use by Republican politicians and critics of Biden. "[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". Here's what 'Let's Go, Brandon' actually means and how it made its way to Congress. [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. 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 . As a reminder, this sub is for discussion, memes, and news about leaving the Left, or reasons to do so. NBC reporter Kelli Stavast was interviewing the winner, driver Brandon Brown, when members of the crowd in the grandstand behind them began chanting an obscenity directed at the president. In early September 2021, chants of "Fuck Joe Biden" were reported to have broken out in several college football games in the Southern United States. [20] He planned to ignore the phrase, but later worried that his silence was perceived as a tacit endorsement of the sentiment. ", Veteran GOP ad maker Jim Innocenzi had no issues with the coded phrase. However, "Brandon Falls" is not an official landmark named by the state of Delaware. But how did Republicans settle on the Brandon phrase as a G-rated substitute for its more vulgar three-word cousin? I mean, Facebook released that Let's Go, Brandon as a phrase is not a bannable term. Southwest said in a statement 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. [10], On October 2, 2021, racing driver Brandon Brown was being interviewed by NBC Sports reporter Kelli Stavast at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, following his victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Sparks 300 race which was shortened due to darkness. The conservative social media ecosystem quickly latched onto the moment. It's actually a coded way for Republicans. SIMON: Well, you know, covfefe - and I don't know SIMON: If there is a correct pronunciation since it's not a word. [19] The slogan has been printed on clothing, a billboard, and a banner flown behind a plane over a pro-Donald Trump rally in Iowa. It's become a euphemistic insult to the president and has spread widely on social media. "[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. The phrase began making the. ", "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. The phrase sprang to life after NBC Sports reporter Kelli Stavast's fateful effort to interview auto. Sean Gardner/Getty Images. 'Cause it's all for one and it's one for all. His team is underfunded, short-staffed and owned by his father. [66], The slogan posted on a sign at a saloon in Jarbidge, Nevada, An automobile with the slogan written on the rear glass, parked in The Villages, Florida. When the president visited a construction site in suburban Chicago last monthto promote his vaccinate-or-test mandate, protesters turned to the phrase. "Let's go, Brandon!" has become a popular refrain among US conservatives. The phrase "Let's go Brandon" is referring to a viral video of the NASCAR Racer. He drives for a short-staffed, underfunded team owned by his father. F CNN. Just this month, thanks to Joe Biden. 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 . [54], In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. [62] Several White House officials, members of the Biden team, as well as U.S. She is also working on her first novel, a domestic drama set in rural Regency England. Sign up to receive GPB Event announcements via Email. Lets Go Brandon is used by those who oppose US President Joe Biden, often as the hashtag #LetsGoBrandon. Instead, the bogus Build Back Better plan and reconciliation plan - you know what they want? The saying is spreading quickly, especially amongconservatives who oppose Biden. 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. Grover Cleveland faced chants of Ma, Ma, Wheres My Pa? in the 1880s, one of the earliest examples. As for Facebook, leaked company documents have recently revealed how the platform increasingly ignored hate speech and misinformation and allowed it to proliferate. Lindsay Lowe has been a regular contributor to TODAY.com since 2016, covering pop culture, style, home and other lifestyle topics. What does 'Let's Go Brandon' mean? 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. [28] Senator Ted Cruz posed with a "Let's Go Brandon" sign that was hung in Houston at the 2021 World Series. An autistic eight years old boy named Brandon Brundidge had seen signs with the "Let's Go, Brandon" phrase on a spring break trip to Houston in March. Brandon Brown, a 28-year-old driver, had won his first Xfinity Series and was being interviewed by an NBC Sports reporter. Last week, R ep ublica n U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, of Florida, gave a speech on the House. 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. Gov. WhenPresident Biden visited a construction site in suburban Chicago a few weeks ago to promote his vaccinate-or-test mandate, protesters deployed both the "Brandon" version and the non-coded version of the chant. So as long as the president is giving commentary on a political issue, he is completely immune to defamation lawsuits. The phrase was spotted on T-shirts as well as a banner pulled by a plane at Donald Trump's rally at . Either way, President Trump wants YOU to have our ICONIC new shirt.". [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. "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? SIMON: I - do you really think conservatives use Karen to describe a white woman bigot? WASHINGTON - When Republican Rep. Bill Posey of Florida ended an Oct. 21 House floor speech with a fist pump and the phrase "Lets go, Brandon!" His mother wrote a book called Brandon Spots his Sign, and they later met Brandon Brown. 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 . The White House nor the Secret Service responded to NBC News' request for comment. SIMON: Is there any evidence that this phrase, which is perfectly innocuous, is being used for more malevolent purposes? "The most successful memes often consolidate various grievances of a particular community into one picture that speaks a thousand words. He ended his speech by saying Americans want Democrats "to help put America back where you found it and leave it the hell alone. 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. By Anthony Zurcher. Republican Rep. Bill Posey of Florida ended an Oct. 21 House floor speech with a fist pump and crypticallylet out the phrase that's disguised to be upbeat. [39] The song first went viral on TikTok before rising to number one on the iTunes Store Top Hip-Hop/Rap Songs list, and number two on the platform's Top Songs list, on October 18, 2021. (SOUNDBITE OF BRIAN BLADE SONG, "AFTER THE REVIVAL") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. 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So how did it - how did this take flight? [57][58], The phrase has been used on bumper stickers supporting Brandon Presley, a Democratic candidate for Governor of Mississippi in 2023. These times, people wakin' up to e'ything. When Republican Rep. Bill Posey of Florida ended an Oct. 21 House floor speech with a fist pump and the phrase "Lets go, Brandon!" Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. America's presidents have endured meanness for centuries; Grover Cleveland faced chants of "Ma, Ma Wheres my Pa?" Google reverted the landmark shortly after that. (Al Drago/Bloomb. The phrase originatedat an Oct. 2 NASCAR race at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. One message to supporters reads, "#FJB or LETS GO BRANDON? DeSantis explains origins of 'Let's go, Brandon' Speaking in West Palm on Wednesday, Nov. 3, Florida Gov. [27] The following week, Republican representative Jeff Duncan wore a face mask with the phrase imprinted on it on the House floor. 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. Driver Brandon Brown was being interviewed by NBC Sports reporter Kelli Stavast as the crowd behind him chanted something difficult to make out. But its done with a little bit of a class. It's a tongue-in-cheek reference to a postrace NASCAR interview on NBC Sports. [14][1] On the live broadcast, while wearing a headset,[15] reporter Stavast stated, "You can hear the chants from the crowd, 'Let's go, Brandon! : I suppose the feeling that they really pulled one over is the point! It's actually a coded way for Republicans and opponents of Joe Biden to voice their displeasure with the President. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz posed with a "Lets Go Brandon" sign at the World Series. A portion of the U.S. was already angry well 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.