Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. [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. In early September, people began chanting F_ _ _ Joe Biden at public events. The anti-Biden chant had become common at college football games in the south and midwest, so it wasnt surprising to hear it at a NASCAR event in Alabama; Talladega County has voted for the Republican candidate in the last six Presidential elections. We were behind the barn, and no one was around. Critics pounced on her faux pas and accused Stavast of practicing fake news and trying to cover up the countrys growing dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden. "I think it's sort of past the point where enough people in the mainstream political audience in the United States have heard it that it will be remembered in the future," he says. Kelli Stavast, an NBC Sports reporter, was interviewing NASCAR driver Brandon Brown live on air at the time, and she quipped, You can hear the chants from the crowd, Lets go Brandon! Heres what Waldman says about this chant: [68], 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. F*** Joe Biden!. The question is, What are we going to say and how we going to say it? It doesnt help our cause when people see Christians acting like the people that were trying to oppose.. The Brandon expression went viral after an October 2021 Nascar race Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama won by Brandon Brown. Amazon, Etsy and Ebay are now flooded with all manner of merchandise featuring the phrase. A sign reading "Let's go Brandon" is seen on the railing during the first half of an NCAA college football game between Boston College and Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., on Oct. 30, 2021. WebOn 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 origin of this phenomenon is sad but also predictable, given the divided nature of our culture on a host of social issues. [63] During the 2023 White House Correspondents Dinner, Biden himself acknowledged the meme, donning aviator sunglasses and joking to the next speaker, "I'm going to be fine with your jokes, but I'm not sure about Dark Brandon. : "https://www. As hes being interviewed on camera, the crowd starts chanting, F*** Joe Biden! "Let's Go Brandon" is a political slogan and Internet meme used by mistake for the phrase "Fuck Joe Biden" in reference to Joe Biden, the 46th and current president of the United States. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. No, were not happy about that," Phelps said. The week prior, another Republican, Rep. Bill Posey of Florida, ended a speech on the House floor, in which he talked about frustrations with the Biden administration's agenda and legislation, with a "Let's go, Brandon!" She then told the As an emotional Brown struggled to be heard above the crowds din, she interjected. In no way do I feel support for him welling up inside of me, he wrote in a Baptist Press commentary. [20] Brown took a more mixed stance in an op-ed for Newsweek, in which he said he was "not going to endorse anyone" or be silent about issues important to him. However, I recognize that my feelings can never be the proper guide of the attitude I am to have toward him. He is a senior fellow at the Overby Center at the University of Mississippi. The essentially valueless meme cryptocurrency was introduced in November, shortly after Lets go Brandonbecame a conservative rallying cry. [46], On January 25, 2022, Kid Rock released a single, "We the People", in which he attacks the media, Dr. Anthony Fauci, masks, COVID-19 restrictions, and Big Tech, and which features the chant "Let's go Brandon" in the chorus. "We will pursue whoever (is using logos) and get that stuff. They need to see Biden the way the apostles Peter and Paul viewed the evil emperor of their day, Nero., Carter noted this passage from 1 Peter: Submit yourselves for the Lords sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right., Writing to the Colossians, Paul said: Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. The rest is The funny thing about this action is that the slogan is not profane. "I think unfortunately it speaks to the state of where we are as a country. However, methodology matters. Burton) star too, BHC GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR: Family-first approach for Funk, Florida's killer clown case finally ends with plea deal, BHC GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR: McAmis played through the pain, PREP BASEBALL: Tuell in tune for Chilhowie Warriors in win over Rural Retreat, Pope in Hungary urges Europe to unite to end war next door, PLAYL | Decades later, questions remain, but God's grace is unquestionable, German researchers say this herbal blend eases hangovers, Basing self-worth on financial success leads to isolation, study finds. Drivers and their families posed for selfies with Trump ahead of the race, and in early 2016 reigning Cup champion Chase Elliott was among a handful of drivers who attended a Georgia rally with then-NASCAR chairman Brian France in support of Trump. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. In an apparent attempt at a lighthearted segue, Stavast referenced a much less audible chant than the Biden one: "Let's go, Brandon." Neither NBC nor sports reporter Kelli Stavast has commented on Stavasts false claim that a NASCAR crowd was chanting Lets Go Brandon when they were "At its core it's a genuinely funny viral moment of broadcast TV, filtered through a meme culture that shown an affinity for Trump and the MAGA sensibility, and embraced by a party whose highest goal at this point is to trigger the libs," Liam Donovan, a lobbyist and former Republican operative, wrote in an email. [2] Texas Governor Greg Abbott used the phrase in an October 22 tweet. During his post-race interview with NBC sports reporter Kelli Stavast, the crowd was heard chanting "F**k Joe Biden" on live air. Last month, Biden was greeted by a homemade "F--- Joe Biden" sign during a trip to Scranton, Pennsylvania, while during an earlier trip to a child development center in Hartford, Connecticut, Biden detractors showed up with similar signs to mark his visit. [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. Conservatives ranging from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz to the Daily Wire's Ben Shapiro have echoed the talking point. Greg Abbott tweets anti-Biden phrase alongside clip from Breitbart interview", "GOP Lawmaker Wears 'Let's Go Brandon' Mask on House Floor in Barely Veiled Swipe at President Biden", "Florida Gov. Are we supposed to stand up to lies? Last week, Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., wore a "Let's Go Brandon" mask at the Capitol. Interviewing winner Brandon Brown, reporter Kelli Stavast pretended the NASCAR crowd was chanting "Let's go, Brandon!" [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. Claim: A Canadian government agency sent out a memo forbidding employees from using the phrase "Let's Go Brandon." NBC Sports reporter Kelli Stavast earned her own checkered flag for misinterpreting an anti-Joe Biden chant at a NASCAR race as congratulations for race Abbott for Political Stunt While Ignoring Biden's Inaction, Marble Halls & Silver Screens With Sarah Lee Ep. On Thursday, Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., was seen sporting a "Let's go, Brandon" mask. By Roger J. Kreuz / For The Conversation. "I like that. NASCAR president Steve Phelps later stated, I feel for Brandonunfortunately it speaks to the state of where we are as a country. "There's a lot of money to be made for people who are seizing the moment and selling," Stall says. The phrase "Let's Go, Brandon" has been a rallying cry of the right to secretly bash the president. It is precisely why we are seeing a generation of speech phobic students entering higher education. "It's a way to say the thing that people want to say and that people will actually say, but we can get grandma and the 11-year-old involved, because they're not saying a naughty word," he said, adding the ability to place "Let's Go Brandon" signs in places or businesses where the actual vulgarity would not be allowed has boosted its staying power too. var sc_invisible=0; Instead, it's a euphemism that many people in conservative circles are using in place of saying, "F*** Joe Biden.". Looking for a made-to-order breakfast in a caf that perfect for a quick bite or a morning meeting. EDITOR'S NOTE: The following commentary was submitted to the Journal & Courier by Steve Viars,pastor and counselor at Faith Church in Lafayette, Ind. Stavast bravely soldiered on despite the obvious disruption. A simple, three-word exhortation Lets go, Brandon! that started spreading like wildfire across social media in October of 2021. IE 11 is not supported. Prominent conservatives argued that pilots were resisting President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate that affected Southwest, in its role as a federal contractor. The "Let's Go Brandon" chant originated at a NASCAR race and has been used to criticize President Joe Biden. WebLet's Go Brandon ( . George Washington University law professor and frequent pundit Jonathan Turley opines that the case has chilling free speech implications and that it shows the continued decline of our education systems (emphasis mine): What is so troubling is the message being taught here by the district. The viral refrain "Let's Go Brandon" was born after NBC [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. Based on our research, we rate ALTERED an image that purportedly shows the Anti-Defamation League labeled the phrase Lets Go Brandon as hate speech. But what makes "Let's Go Brandon" different, experts say, is that it's as much about what's not being said than what is. [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 photo is photoshopped. Several in the group, including NASCARs most popular driver, spoke on stage. 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 this case, the phrase isn't actually about supporting a guy named Brandon. Duncan continued his message and expressed frustration with the Biden administration's immigration policies, vaccine mandates and the state of inflation in the United States. or seen someone with a shirt or hat sporting the seemingly jovial message lately, you might be wondering who Brandon is and why so many people are rooting for him. "It will probably continue for way too long but I can't imagine it will be in a campaign or anything like that.". F*** Joe Biden! NBC reporter Kelli Stavast bizarrely claimed the fans were yelling, Lets go, Brandon, but you can hear for yourself that they were doing no such thing: The two students and FIRE argue that the school district has shown political favoritism in the past: Even though the political slogan is widely used multiple members of Congress used itduring floor speeches an assistant principal and a teacher ordered the boys to remove the sweatshirts. The Brandon expression went viral after an October 2021 Nascar race Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama won by Brandon Brown. The claim: The Anti-Defamation League labeled the phrase 'Lets Go Brandon' as hate speech. " in her broadcast. Use code AMERICA and get a sweet discount. "Let's Go, Brandon" has been used by conservatives to secretly attack the president. President Barack Obama was in office as social media's influence began to take hold, enabling the quick spread of racist images and insults online. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. NASCAR has long been regarded as the ugly cousin of American sports, and the confederate flags and mind-blowing lack of diversity among drivers have contributed greatly towards that image. As a Christian and a believer in the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God contained in the Bible, the truth of Gods Word is what ought to guide my attitude toward President Biden (or any other leader, for that matter)., Christians could try chanting Pray for Biden, he said. The "Let's Go Brandon" chant originated at a NASCAR race and has been used to criticize President Joe Biden. //]]>. But Kelli Stavast is now a favorite of the communist left after her outright lies about the FJB chants this past weekend. The phrase has become ubiquitous among right-wing crowds, overheard at sporting events and rallies, seen on bumper stickers and Trump campaign merchandise. Stavast bravely soldiered on despite the obvious disruption. Whether its Biden or Trump, that doesnt change how we relate to scripture, he said. We turn to Gods Word to point out what we believe are the failures of our political leaders. He wrote that the anti-Biden euphemism has a similar tone to the word SNAFU, which stands for "Situation Normal All Fucked Up", or to the word "cuckservatives" (a portmanteau of "cuckold" and "conservatives") which is used by some nationalists or paleoconservatives to describe neoconservatives perceived as being in fact liberals. WebInterviewing winner Brandon Brown, reporter Kelli Stavast pretended the NASCAR crowd was chanting Lets go, Brandon! not cursing President Joe Biden. [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! All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Terry Mattingly leads GetReligion.org and lives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. 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", "President Biden Brings Dark Brandon to Life in Zinger-Filled WHCA Speech", "Biden: superhero, lame duck -- or both? The phrase Lets Go Brandon is not listed in the ADLs Hate Symbols Database. Formula 1: Little-known Lewis Hamilton fact puts things into perspective, Formula 1: Mercedes drop another Lewis Hamilton hint, NASCAR driver is victim of somebody else's mistake, Brandon Tierney Blasts Julius Randle, Says He Needs to Apologize to Knicks fans, NASCAR: 3 possible car numbers for Joe Gibbs Racing, NASCAR: 3 possible landing spots for Ty Gibbs in 2022, NASCAR has opened up the door for more controversy. Im just trying to get my own people to go back to scripture and take it seriously. Many embraced the brash style of President Donald Trump because they thought turnabout is fair play, and they wanted a blunt strongman on their side. WebRepublicans didnt come up with the slogan lets go Brandon, nice try, however, it started at the NASCAR Race when the CROWD started to chant F U BIDEN, NBC reporter Kelli Stavast said you can hear the crowd chanting lets go Brandon what a NASCAR's president said it does not want to be associated with the "Let's Go, Brandon," slogan which is code for a vulgar insult aimed at President Joe Biden. [36] Although Denver District Judge Andrew McCallin agreed with Williams that he had successfully proved that he used "Let's go Brandon" as his nickname, the judge ultimately ruled that Secretary of State Griswold acted within her authority in denying Williams the use of the nickname on the ballot. "As a Christian, I'm not going to blurt it [Let's Go Brandon] out because I do know what it stands for," she said, adding while she may not say it, it's better than other anti-Biden attacks. No reason was given as to why when pressed by reporters. The origins of the meme go back to Oct. 2, when race car driver Brandon Brown won his first NASCAR Xfinity Series race and was being interviewed by NBC reporter Kelli Stavast.