The second element of Harris’s campaign that has captured our imaginations is so simple yet so far removed from other political messaging: joy. While her opponents spread fear, she focuses on positivity. She makes jokes where they offer firebrand speeches – and has come to represent a brighter future.

But the truth is, the US presidential race has been largely a personality contest so far. Just as memes give us entertainment rather than information, Harris’s campaign is light on concrete policies. She hasn’t been particularly forthcoming about where she stands on key issues or what she would actually do as president – a vagueness which is concerning when global conflicts, climate disasters and deep inequalities rage on. As polling day moves closer, the pressure is on to offer up tangible plans. But perhaps Team Harris is just reading the room. The world has been dark for a while now, and deep down most people just desperately want to believe that light is on its way.

Undeniably, it is working. There is hope in the air and a giddiness online that hasn’t been seen in politics since Obama. Just by being herself, Kamala Harris has made history, but it’s refreshing to see that her campaign hasn’t really been about her identity or the fact that she is a ‘first’ at all. Rather, it’s been about moving with the times and treating the next generation as the thought leaders they truly are. It’s been a Brat summer, but the next season is Kamala’s for the taking.

Kamala Harris is winning the internet – can she win over voters too?