A prankster named Lionel McGloin, known for his YouTube channel "No Cap on God," stirred up controversy at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago by eliciting surprising and sometimes shocking responses from attendees and officials.

McGloin's pranks highlighted the growing -- and questionable -- influence of social media and pop culture on political engagement, particularly among Gen Z voters drawn to Vice President Kamala Harris, as the Daily Mail reports.

The jokester's stunt at the DNC focused on spoofing a popular theme among Harris supporters, the so-called "brat" meme, and it involved asking provocative questions on progressive topics.

The responses he captured ranged from humorous to controversial, showcasing the unconventional political climate at the convention.

Unexpected Responses Reveal DNC Sentiments

One of the most notable moments from McGloin's prank was an interaction with New York Congressman Jerry Nadler. When asked if a Democratic Congress would support higher tax brackets for "rich white men," Nadler responded affirmatively, sparking further debate about the party's stance on wealth redistribution.

Another interaction featured an average attendee enthusiastically agreeing with proposals like free abortions and gender-affirming care for migrants. The attendee's response of "yas queen" encapsulated the tone of McGloin's interviews, which often leaned into the pop culture references popular among younger voters.

The prank also revealed an intriguing perspective on Harris's appeal among Gen Z. One male attendee described Harris as "brat," a term from the Charli XCX album that has been adopted by some of Harris's supporters.

According to this attendee, being a "brat" means "you're a party girl but you go out really late at night and you fall asleep with your makeup on," underscoring the unique cultural connections influencing Harris's popularity.

Progressive Views and Viral Influence

McGloin's questions also touched on more serious topics, revealing the priorities of some DNC attendees. In one instance, a progressive attendee struggled to choose between living in a democracy and legalizing abortion, ultimately leaning toward abortion access. This moment highlighted the deep divisions within the party on key issues.

Another young woman working in Democrat politics expressed a strong dislike for Republican men, describing them as "evil." This sentiment was echoed in several other interactions McGloin had with attendees, further illustrating the polarized atmosphere at the convention.

Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey was another target of McGloin's prank. Markey considered the idea of legalizing cocaine during their conversation, showcasing the sometimes-extreme proposals that were discussed during the event.

Gov. Newsom's Commentary and Harris's Appeal

The atmosphere at the DNC, as reflected in McGloin's prank, also drew a lighthearted response from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. He joked about the unconditional support for Harris, quipping about a "30-minute primary" that would cement her position in the race. This comment underscored the strong backing Harris has within the party, particularly among younger voters.

The prank comes at a time when over 41 million Gen Z voters are eligible to participate in the 2024 election, including more than eight million who have become eligible since the 2022 midterms. This demographic is extremely diverse, with nearly half being people of color and one in five identifying as LGBTQ+.

Harris's campaign has been quick to capitalize on this trend, using social media platforms like TikTok to engage with younger voters. The @KamalaHQ TikTok account has seen significant growth, with its following doubling in just one day after President Biden exited the presidential race. The account now boasts over 3.4 million followers and more total views than Trump's TikTok, with 462 million video views and 66 million likes.

Gen Z's Role in the 2024 Election

The 2024 election is shaping up to be the first presidential race heavily influenced by TikTok and online influencers. Harris, in particular, has seen a surge in support among voters aged 18 to 29. Recent polling data from J.L. Partners shows that 48% of voters in this age group back Harris, compared to 32% for Trump and 9% for independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr.

This increase in support marks a significant shift from July, when Harris held 37% of the youth vote, while Trump had 26%. The Harris campaign has been leveraging viral moments and trends to connect with this demographic, contrasting Harris's image with that of her opponents.

Conclusion: The Power of Social Media and Pop Culture

McGloin's prank at the DNC not only provided a humorous look at the convention but also underscored the powerful role that social media and pop culture play in shaping political opinions, particularly among Gen Z voters.

As the 2024 election approaches, the influence of these factors will likely continue to grow, making them crucial elements in the strategies of all major campaigns.