Barack Obama Enjoys ‘Brat Summer’ with His Latest Playlist

Former president Barack Obama has added Charli XCX’s catchy hit “365” to his annual summer playlist.

The former U.S. president seems to be following in the footsteps of 2024 presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris by embracing the “Brat Girl Summer” trend. Obama’s Spotify playlist is a mix of contemporary and classic tracks, featuring artists like Billie Eilish with “CHIHRO,” Tems with “Love Me Jeje,” and Shaboozey with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

Obama’s list also appeals to a wide range of generations with timeless classics such as The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” Bob Dylan’s “Silvio,” and Sting’s “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free.”

“With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately — and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to!” Obama wrote on X.

After President Joe Biden publicized his full support and endorsement for Kamala Harris as the nominee for the Democratic party this year, and declared he would not seek a second term, Charli XCX wrote on X, “Kamala IS brat.”

Soon after this post, Harris’ official campaign quickly adapted to the new trend by changing its banner on X to mimic Charli XCX’s “Brat” style. The updated banner read “kamala hq” in lowercase black lettering against a lime-green background.

Charli XCX, whose real name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison, explained her personal take on the term “brat” in a TikTok video. She said, “You’re just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes. Who feels herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of like parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat.”

Harris’ campaign team also created a series of videos and graphics incorporating some of her most popular quotes and clips, paired with Charli XCX’s music. Many of these clips were tinted in the same lime-green hue seen on Charli XCX’s Brat album cover or featured the cover popping up between clips of the vice president.

One of the most frequently used quotes in these videos is of Harris telling President Biden, “We did it, Joe,” after their election victory in 2020, which made Harris the first female vice president in American history.