Violent J of Insane Clown Posse backs Kamala Harris on ‘The Daily Show’

A surprise endorsement in the 2024 election race

With the 2024 presidential election rapidly approaching, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are pulling out all the stops to drum up support. In a surprising twist, Violent J, the frontman of Insane Clown Posse (ICP), offered his endorsement of VP Harris during an interview on a The Daily Show parody segment.

Who is Violent J?

Violent J, born Joseph Frank Bruce, is a significant figure in the Juggalo community—a group of dedicated fans of ICP and other bands under their record label, Psychopathic Records. Known for their unique blend of rap-rock and horrorcore music, Juggalos predominantly hail from midwestern and rural areas. They are recognized by their distinctive face paint, a fondness for the budget soft drink Faygo, and a tongue-in-cheek obsession with macabre themes.

The Gathering of the Juggalos: A cultural cornerstone

Every year, Juggalos gather at The Gathering of the Juggalos, a must-attend festival for this vibrant community. This year’s event, held in Thornville, Ohio, featured The Daily Show correspondent Troy Awata, who took the opportunity to dive into the political leanings of the Juggalos.

Political apathy or activism?

During his interviews, Awata discovered a prevalent sense of political disillusionment among the younger Juggalos. Many voiced their intention to abstain from voting, citing a lack of meaningful political progress for low-income communities. One young female Juggalo encapsulated this sentiment: “You’re voting for two people who pretty much don’t care about your existence.”

The ethos of the Juggalo community

Despite this apathy, the Juggalo ethos emphasizes a pride in their “scrubbiness,” a term Bruce affectionately uses to describe their embrace of poverty and resilience. This sense of identity extends to a wide range of social issues.

Social issues at the heart of the community

One Juggalo highlighted how critical issues like drugs, trans rights, pro-choice, and women’s rights resonate within their scene. “I think our ethos is based upon whoever you want to be,” the Juggalo explained. “If you want to be a killer clown, if you want to be a trans killer clown, by all means.”

A left-leaning tendency

Awata’s discussions revealed that the Juggalo community may lean towards Democratic ideals. In his conversation with Violent J, Bruce articulated his left-wing views, including a strong aversion to Trump and his infamous border wall. “So now I remember why I hated Trump, that wall shit,” he declared.

Environmental concerns and political opinions

Not one to shy away from expressing his opinions, Bruce also touched on environmental conservation during the interview. “We think we’re the superior animal on this planet, right? Let me tell you what the superior animal is: a whale,” he mused, highlighting his belief in the intrinsic value of all creatures.

The unexpected endorsement

In a lighthearted moment, Bruce was shown photos of the candidates sporting ICP-style makeup before being asked about his presidential endorsement. Initially claiming to be “opinionless,” Bruce eventually expressed a preference: “I want her to win because she’s a Democrat, and I love my mom.” The segment concluded humorously with Bruce noting the onset of psychedelic mushrooms he had ingested before the interview.

Closing thoughts

The Juggalos’ political leanings and Bruce’s support for Kamala Harris offer an intriguing glimpse into an often overlooked subculture. This endorsement, although delivered in a comedic setting, underscores the complex and diverse nature of political affiliation in America today.

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