The Memeification of Politicians: Joe Biden and the Power of Memes

Memes have evolved from simple jokes shared among friends to powerful tools that can shape public opinion and political discourse. The phenomenon of political memeification—where politicians become the subjects of widespread internet memes—has significantly impacted modern politics. One of the most notable figures in this landscape is Joe Biden, whose public image has been shaped by memes from his time as Vice President during the Obama administration to his current presidency. In this post, I explore Biden's memeification and examine how it began, its effectiveness, and its broader impact on political discourse.

Understanding Memeification in Politics

Memes, cultural symbols that spread rapidly online, have become integral to how people communicate, especially in politics. Initially conceived by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene" as a concept for how ideas propagate, memes in the digital era have taken on a life of their own. In politics, memeification refers to the process by which politicians become the subjects of widespread internet memes, often leading to a reimagining of their public personas.

Humor and satire play a critical role in memeification. Memes often use these elements to simplify complex political issues, making them more accessible and engaging for a broader audience. As Dr. Anushka Kulkarni's research highlights, memes serve as both a tool for civic participation and a means of entertainment, allowing individuals to express political opinions in a format that resonates with digital natives.

Joe Biden's Memeification: The Beginnings

Joe Biden's journey as a memeified politician began during his tenure as Vice President under President Barack Obama. The internet quickly took notice of Biden's affable, gaffe-prone personality, leading to the creation of numerous memes that portrayed him as the fun, relatable, and easygoing counterpart to Obama's more serious demeanor.

One of the earliest and most popular memes from this era was the "Prankster Joe Biden" or "Biden Bro" meme, which depicted Biden as a mischievous, prank-playing sidekick to Obama. These memes typically featured fictional scenarios where Biden was planning light-hearted pranks or making humorous remarks, juxtaposed against Obama's stoic and composed image. The "Biden Bro" meme solidified Biden's image as a relatable, down-to-earth figure who brought a sense of humor to the White House.

Another notable meme from this period was the "Uncle Joe" meme, which further emphasized Biden's persona as a friendly, somewhat goofy character who was beloved by the public. These memes often portrayed him as a well-meaning, if slightly eccentric, elder statesman who was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh.

Joe Biden's Memeification as President

As Biden transitioned from Vice President to President, the nature of the memes associated with him evolved as well. While the "Biden Bro" and "Uncle Joe" memes focused on his light-hearted, approachable personality, the memes from his presidency have taken on a more complex and sometimes critical tone.

One of the most prominent memes during Biden's presidency is the "It's Joever" meme. This meme originally emerged from 4chan as a bad-faith meme from the right, intended to suggest that Biden's presidency or political career was failing. It gained traction again after his announcement on social media that he would drop out of the race. The meme typically features images of Biden with captions that imply the end of his political career in a humorous or satirical way. The meme has resonated with those who view Biden's presidency as nearing its conclusion or see his leadership as ineffective.

In contrast to earlier memes like "Biden Bro," which celebrated Biden's light-heartedness, "It's Joever" reflects a more critical perspective. While the earlier memes helped humanize Biden and endear him to the public, "It's Joever" amplifies sentiments of disappointment or fatigue, framing Biden's presidency in a way that resonates with critics and satirists alike.

The Power of Memes in Political Discourse

Memes like "It's Joever" and the earlier "Biden Bro" do more than entertain; they shape political narratives and influence public perception. By distilling complex political issues into easily shareable content, memes have the power to frame politicians in specific ways, making them relatable or, conversely, ridiculed.

Biden's use of memes, particularly through the "Dark Brandon" persona, has been part of a broader strategy to engage younger voters and showcase his administration's accomplishments in a way that resonates with internet culture. The Biden campaign and even the White House have embraced these memes, using them on social media to appeal to a demographic that might otherwise be disengaged from traditional political messaging.

In contrast, Donald Trump's meme strategy has often focused on exaggerated, superhero-like depictions of himself, coupled with memes that mock Biden as confused or incompetent. This comparison highlights how both campaigns have used memes to reinforce their respective narratives and engage supporters.

Engagement and Viral Spread

Memes are particularly effective in reaching younger audiences who spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms. As Helen Brown notes in her analysis of internet memes, their humor and relatability make them highly engaging, often evoking strong emotional responses that enhance their memorability and persuasive power.

The viral nature of memes allows political messages to spread quickly, sometimes reaching millions of people within hours. This rapid dissemination can significantly impact public opinion, especially when the memes are shared within echo chambers where users are primarily exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs.

However, this viral spread also comes with risks. Memes can oversimplify complex issues, potentially leading to misinformation and increased political polarization. The humorous and satirical nature of memes can sometimes obscure the seriousness of the issues they address, making it challenging for audiences to critically engage with the underlying messages.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While memes offer a powerful tool for political communication, they also present challenges, particularly concerning misinformation and polarization. As Seth Smalley discusses in his article on the role of memes in political strategy, the oversimplification inherent in meme culture can contribute to the spread of misleading information, which is often amplified by the viral nature of social media.

There are also ethical considerations in using memes for political purposes. The manipulation of public opinion through humor and satire raises questions about the integrity of political discourse. While memes can be an effective way to engage voters and rally support, they can also be used to deceive or mislead, contributing to a less informed electorate.

Conclusion

The memeification of Joe Biden highlights the dual nature of memes as both tools for political engagement and sources of potential misinformation. From the early days of "Biden Bro" to the more recent "It's Joever" meme, these examples illustrate how internet culture can shape public perceptions and influence political discourse in the digital age.

As we move forward, the role of memes in politics will likely continue to grow, making it increasingly important for both creators and consumers to approach them with a critical eye. The future of political communication will depend on our ability to navigate the complexities of meme culture while maintaining the integrity of democratic discourse.

This Post is Part of a Series

This post is part of a series exploring the impact of social media on political campaigns. If you enjoyed this, consider reading the other posts in the series: