Tennessee Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson compared “Let’s Go Brandon” chants aimed at President Joe Biden to “burning an American flag” in a recent tweet.
Johnson’s comments were made in response to a tweet from “The Tennessee Holler.”
“’Let’s Go Brandon!’ is like chanting ‘overrated!’ at a team even after they kicked you’re ass,’” The Tennessee Holler wrote.
“Let’s Go Brandon!” is like chanting “overrated!” at a team even after they kicked your ass.
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) November 15, 2021
Johnson re-tweeted this statement to her feed, adding, “As a friend said, I think it should be equated with burning the flag, in essence, that’s what they’re doing.”
As a friend said, I think it should be equated with burning the flag, in essence, that’s what they are doing. https://t.co/0WrJzFSkwv
— Rep. Gloria Johnson (@VoteGloriaJ) November 15, 2021
Johnson later followed up with another tweet that said, “Reading is fundamental. It’s not a legal take, it’s a person’s opinion. And as a few were smart enough to understand-both are protected speech.” Johnson’s second statement appears to be directed at users who responded to her flag-burning comments.
Reading is fundamental. It’s not a legal take, it’s a person’s opinion. And as a few were smart enough to understand-both are protected speech.
— Rep. Gloria Johnson (@VoteGloriaJ) November 17, 2021
The phrase, “Let’s Go Brandon” has become a trend across the U.S. and is often chanted at sporting and other events. The chant is the less profane version of “F**k Joe Biden” and caught on after a NASCAR race in which NBC reporter, Kelli Stavast appeared to believe fans were cheering for driver, Brandon Brown.
Rappers have written songs about it, and a Republican representative even wore a dress with the phrase written on it. (RELATED: Massive ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Banner Flies Over The Georgia/Missouri Game)
Jen Psaki dismissed a question about the chants during a Nov. 12 press conference.“I don’t think he spends much time focused on it or thinking about it,” Psaki said.