No country for old men's euphemisms

The phrase "Let's Go Brandon" is the fastest trending political slogan in the US today. It is appearing on protest signs, bumper stickers and Covid-face masks. Someone has built a huge "Let's Go Brandon" lawn ornament in front of their house. The phrase even caused a female news reporter to be ejected from an airplane preparing for take-off when she demanded to be let into the cockpit to ask the pilot why he had used the phrase at the conclusion of his pre-take off announcement to passengers. (If you want to know more about the phenomenon, visit Youtube and search for the phrase.)

Fortunately we don't need such phrases in Australia as our politics and language are straight forward and direct.

So, what does the phrase mean and how did it come into America's political language?

Strangely it originated after racing driver Brandon Brown won his Nascar event at Talladega Speedway in Alabama last month. While being interviewed on live television the crowd behind him was chanting "F*#@ Joe Biden." However, the TV reporter somehow misheard and reported the crowd's chants as "Let's Go Brandon," and a new political phrase was born to protest Biden's presidency. (Here's the Youtube link.) The rest, as they say, is history.

Is it likely to catch on in Australia?

But you won't find anyone in Australia shouting that or a similar phrase at any of our political leaders. We are much less in need of euphemisms to make a political point. We are more likely to just call it as it is, as blue as it may be.

With an election due by May next year dare, we say, "Let's Go Albo, Let's Go ScoMo." (Written with tongue firmly planted in cheek!)