What does ‘Let’s go, Brandon’ mean? Republican code for insulting Joe Biden explained
A person repeatedly shouted “Let’s go, Brandon” at President Joe Biden during his televised speech on democracy and the dangers of political violence. Biden acknowledged the interruption by referencing America’s history of progress amid challenging times. He noted the disruption, stating, “Throughout our history, America has often made significant strides emerging from our darkest moments… like you’re hearing that bullhorn.”
Biden further addressed the situation, saying, “They are entitled to be outrageous; this is a democracy. Good manners is not something they have ever suffered from,” which was met with applause from the crowd.
The phrase “Let’s go, Brandon” has gained attention as a coded expression, but its origin and the heckler’s intent remained unclear.
What does “Let’s go, Brandon” mean?
“Let’s go, Brandon” has become a coded insult used by Republicans against Joe Biden. This phrase has circulated within right-wing communities for about a year and has been embraced by prominent figures within the Republican party.
In October 2021, Republican Representative Bill Posey of Florida concluded a House speech by saying “Let’s go, Brandon.” Additionally, South Carolina’s Republican Jeff Duncan was seen sporting a “Let’s Go Brandon” face mask, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz was photographed with a “Let’s Go Brandon” sign.
The origins of “Let’s go, Brandon” trace back to an incident at an October 2, 2021 NASCAR race in Alabama. When driver Brandon Brown won his first Xfinity Series and was being interviewed, the crowd’s chants were initially unclear. Initially reported as “Let’s go, Brandon” by the interviewer, it was later evident that the crowd was actually chanting “F**k Joe Biden.”
This misinterpretation sparked the rise of the phrase among Republican circles, where critics of Biden began using it to disparage him publicly. Even former President Donald Trump has capitalized on the phrase by selling “Let’s Go Brandon” T-shirts and caps through his Save America store.
