Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., has introduced a new, derisive nickname for democratic socialists, referring to them as "Lulu Lenins." The senator unveiled the moniker during an interview on Fox News' "Hannity" on Monday night, where he also asserted that former Vice President Kamala Harris is "no longer relevant."
Kennedy's new nickname for members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) combines the popular athleisure brand Lululemon with Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union. The term quickly gained traction online, with some users on social media praising the senator's wit.
During the interview, Kennedy criticized Harris's efforts to connect with progressive voters, suggesting her political relevance has diminished. "She had her shot and she missed," Kennedy said of Harris, who has indicated she is considering a presidential run in 2028. He noted her recent private phone call with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a member of the DSA, as an example of her attempts to engage with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Mamdani, who has identified as a DSA member, was featured in media coverage related to the senator's remarks.
This is not the first time Kennedy has used colorful language to criticize socialists. In July, he compared a list of countries that had adopted socialism to "King Kong's genitalia." Earlier in the year, he described some anti-ICE protesters as having a vibe suggesting they "have a freezer full of body parts in my basement," while emphasizing that while "deeply weird" behavior is permitted, violence is not.