How a single Blue Dot sign exploded into a movement at center of the presidential election

OMAHA, Nebraska — It was the first day of the Democratic National Convention in mid-August when Jason Brown began tinkering with forgotten objects in his garage. The Kamala Harris supporter had been encouraged by the vice president’s recent surge in popularity and was feeling optimistic about her chances as the party’s nominee.

That’s when Brown stumbled upon an old yard sign hanging on the wall, and creativity struck. He grabbed a bottle of blue spray paint and painted a giant blue dot, inspired by his district’s status as a Democratic anomaly in a deeply red state.