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As someone who is an expert in organization culture. I would call what is happening with the introduction of Kamala a shift in culture specifically - bringing together a diverse group of people together, that have different perspectives on policy. All of her diverse group of supporters and people campaigning with and for her all have an undying commitment to democracy. The shift I culture or I would

Say there is a paradigm shift With many people who live democracy working together as a team to include everyone and to educate the US on the truth, project 2025 and what’s stake in this election!

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Kamala vs DJ Melee

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Oct 6Liked by Ari Melber

What I’ve noticed is a positive interest or reaction in people of different ages- her personality seems to connect. She’s the cool aunt, someone I’d go to happy hour with. Even though she’s 59 she’s into pop culture and has a youthful exuberance. I credit Joe Biden with letting her shine and not getting in her way. As a Vice President it isn’t your job to shine and you may get the last word but you don’t make the last decision. Now she’s free to bloom and it’s refreshing. Also, her campaign is well run. Charisma is as important as policy.

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My 20 year old granddaughter is voting for Harris/Walz. The “I’m going to a concert “ (I don’t mean classical) girl who never thought of voting is for

Kamala Harris. Hoping this means she and her friends are becoming thinking adults.

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I absolutely agree with our Vice President and how much Biden is willing to save our democracy by following Her lead instead of the other way around. And she’s including everyone who’s willing to make this country better for the less fortunate of us who aren’t privileged. We deserve better than to be treated like the other side think of us. They’re only out for themselves and we aren’t having any of their BS.

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It’s simple. Kamala Culture is a stark contrast from the generation before her. The one that said only white men can be in charge. She gives us desperately needed relief from the ignorance, fear, and hate and welcomes all to the party.

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Oct 6Liked by Ari Melber

Yes I see a shift. First time I’ve seen so many groups in usual opposition to another party endorse Harris. Christians,republicans and others coming out in impressive numbers for harris

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Yes the 'cross cultural' embrace from the Cheney wing and some military leaders is a whole nother piece... and relevant

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Because Kamala is relevant- Trump is OLD and no longer a “new” thing. We all saw how he did absolutely nothing for this country. His throwing checks at farmers shows his way of handling his mistakes - pay them off!

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Ari: it has been my experience at this advanced age to welcome the cultural excitement of the numerous variety of groups jumping in to support Kamala. Also recognizing the shock of intelligent Republicans that have crossed the rubicon to vote for her without losing their conservative values. I never thought I would see this enormous evolution to save democracy. Or maybe I always knew it was there to be driven home by people who truly care about Americas survival. Sherry Mangan

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Well said!

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Ditto

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I enjoyed this newsletter and your sharing your thoughts. I have no great insights into anything but

hope that the great personalities of Kamala and Tim, reasoning and decency of these two enable them to be our next President and Vice President.

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A related cultural phenomenon is the generally positive reception of Tim Walz. At first glance, Harris and Walz would seem to be odd bedfellows, but they seem to make a good pair and together actually amplify the same positive vibes. Now they just have to translate that momentum to the ballot box!

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True, and like Bernie, the embrace of Walz as relatable or even 'cool Dad' energy seems to come from his authenticity, not him being 'trendy'

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Oct 6Liked by Ari Melber

Ari, yes, I believe the cultural embrace of Harris, helps her campaign. Generally, there is a shift towards the brighter, shinier toy. “Everything they used to dislike about Kamala…” Screech! But they DON’T KNOW her…right?! That’s what we are repeatedly told. So, what were they disliking? For some, it was her “That little girl was me” episode; for others, it was everything FOX spewed about her. Finally, in contrasting Harris to Biden, the media always missed, in my opinion, that the country didn’t embrace a Biden campaign in 2020, as he was never a great campaigner, the country put their trust behind Rep. Jim Clyburn, which enabled Biden to win.

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Oct 6Liked by Ari Melber

Ari, a very well written essay! Couldn't have said it better! I just had a feeling that your next newsletter was going to be about Kamala. I have definitely noticed a vibe shift, but for the better. I think it definitely helps Kamala's campaign. By more people being excited for Kamala, it will hopefully mean higher voter turnout. Also, I like the AI of you at the end.

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Ditto!!!

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I think the culture factor primarily helps with younger voters. Older voters who are still undecided may be swayed by the support Kamala Harris is receiving by people like Bruce Springsteen, The Grateful Dead or De Niro, but I think both immigration and the economy will be the primary factors in their decision. That said, I don't understand how anyone can even consider voting for Trump. His so-called policies are devoid of substance, most are cruel and inhuman, he has been corrupt his entire life, he is fiscally irresponsible, he advocates for dictators and authoritarians, and, on top of all that, his record shows that he was a failed president.

He is culturally bankrupt, so attaching any cultural nomenclature or significance to him would be farcical.

Aren't you glad you asked!🙂

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Hit the nail on the head!! Goodness said it better myself

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Yes!😊

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SHE HAS TO WIN ARI!!! Keep it going!

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I am not sure that this Kamala cultural shift will help her campaign as much as some think - Trump certainly seems to be hanging on. I personally bought into these culture memes but I know I am a sucker - some on the other side I think will be immune and all they will see is a culturally left African-American and Asian women with a Jewish husband, I am afraid. Of course I hope I am wrong but the polls are too tight to show any really great shift in the zeitgeist despite these cultural dents she is making. Good column Ari keep 'em coming.

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I don’t watch TV but I do enjoy watching on my computer people (often Black men) who are hearing an artist for the first time. Their reactions are often interesting and usually positive. KD Lang, The Righteous Brothers, Elvis, Janis Joplin, Three Dog Night (I don’t remember them). Sometimes a young man will mention that he is voting for Harris/Walz. I never interact because it is their show but it’s entertaining to hear music that I had forgotten.

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Just joined and this is off topic. We're likely from same era. The music artists you named.

Listen to I think it's Trevor, from nine inch nails, reaction to Hurt by Johnny Cash. Which is Trevor's song.

Then you mentioned Three Dog Night, I do remember them. Heard the lead singer do Try a Little Tenderness - I think. I was shocked by his voice. He nailed it. Worlds off their genre.

I do love more funk, blues, Janis Joplin, etc.

I'm on YouTube a lot and is how I ran across above. It can be refreshing.

George Carlin is on there too. A loss for sure.

We could sure use him right now. ☮️

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JANIS - my all time favorite- sadly we did not get enough of her or Hendrix…..Blues …..

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JANIS! What a unique voice. Just love the Blues, just love .

Sadly, is right.

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Isn’t it awesome!! I had the album it was on and for some reason I can’t remember the name of it. I believe it was when she was part of Big Brother & the Holding Company

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Yes, yes, yes!

Just that she selected that song and basically owned it. Best version ever!

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She was amazing!! Her version of Summertime blew my mind!

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Thank you! I forgot about it! And, absolutely love her singing that song!! Love it!

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Very sober & good accessment of our fellow country folks.

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The polls, for the most part, can't be relied upon. History has shown us that. There are a lot of polls from the DT camp that are nothing but lies.Actually pretty much everything coming from DTs side is garbage.

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Ari thank you for your well written article. Your article helps your reader have a better understanding of the positive subliminal messages through the use of music such as Beyoncé “freedom”. This leaves me with the feeling that our vice president has the energy to fulfill her campaign promises.

I don’t think we can underestimate Vice President Harris’ remarkable background as prosecutor, attorney general etc. Her message is remarkable for our country.

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Thanks Claire, appreciate that

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Great read Ari.❤️

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Ari would come up with a soliloquy on the culture vibe aspect of Harris’s campaign. I love this take and believe it will definitely change minds and even encourage the formerly disinterested to vote. Reading his essay brought to mind what Greek dramatists always knew about good endings — they feed the need of the culture for justice and a sense that order has been restored. That’s the vibe I’m really counting on for the outcome of this election.

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ha! - and yes most people are most interested in the ending.. which we cannot know yet

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Yes. Gives me a shpilkes every day.

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That's an interesting perspective--I like it

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Kamala was an unknown for me but her smile caused me to move in her direction —so I went through my paintings piling up in my studio and gave it a name “Kamala Joy!” —it helps to know even us oldies can feel good again, even with a disgusting jerk running against a bright star!!

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