Taylor Swift hasn’t officially endorsed any presidential candidates this election cycle, but her fans are getting politically active by backing Vice President Kamala Harris. On Tuesday, a video conference titled “Swifties for Kamala” featured Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand, singer-songwriter Carole King, and roughly 15,000 participants in support of Harris. During the event, speakers shared their favorite Taylor Swift songs; Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts mentioned “Snow on the Beach” as his favourite.
The Zoom event raised over $113,000, a figure that resonates with Swift fans since she mentioned 113 as her “favourite number” during an Eras Tour concert in Zurich. Donations continued even after the call ended.
“Swifties for Kamala” is the latest example of digital organizing among affinity and identity-based groups supporting Harris, especially since President Joe Biden left the race last month. Harris’s campaign has effectively used virtual events to quickly mobilize volunteers and raise funds.
By August, Harris’s campaign had $377 million in cash reserves, surpassing former President Donald Trump’s $327 million. Trump’s fundraising has generally lagged behind his Democratic competitors, including Biden and Harris.
During the call, Carole King performed a short version of “Shake It Off,” her favorite Swift song, and offered advice on door-to-door campaigning, noting her long history of political activism. Senator Warren praised the participants, saying, “You are resilient and know how to stand up to bullies. That’s what the Harris campaign is all about—standing up to bullies like Donald Trump.”
Other speakers included Representative Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Representative Becca Balint of Vermont, and North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton.
While Taylor Swift wasn’t involved with the group or present on the call, organizers invited her on social media, saying she was “always welcome to show up to our party.”
Swift’s popularity has soared over the last year, with her Eras Tour selling out stadiums globally and her recent relationship with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce attracting even more attention.
The Democratic campaign has been eager to secure Swift’s endorsement. Biden’s team aimed for her support before he stepped aside for Harris. Rumors circulated about potential performances by Swift or Beyoncé at the Democratic National Convention, but neither occurred.
Trump has also sought Swift’s support, even posting a digitally manipulated image on his social media platform, Truth Social, falsely showing her endorsing him.
Swift may become more politically active this election cycle. Last September, she encouraged her followers to register to vote on Instagram, leading to over 35,000 new voter registrations through the nonprofit Vote.org, according to the organization. In 2020, Swift endorsed Biden for president.
The recent Democratic National Convention also featured appearances by several other cultural figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Mindy Kaling, and John Legend.
The Zoom event raised over $113,000, a figure that resonates with Swift fans since she mentioned 113 as her “favourite number” during an Eras Tour concert in Zurich. Donations continued even after the call ended.
“Swifties for Kamala” is the latest example of digital organizing among affinity and identity-based groups supporting Harris, especially since President Joe Biden left the race last month. Harris’s campaign has effectively used virtual events to quickly mobilize volunteers and raise funds.
By August, Harris’s campaign had $377 million in cash reserves, surpassing former President Donald Trump’s $327 million. Trump’s fundraising has generally lagged behind his Democratic competitors, including Biden and Harris.
During the call, Carole King performed a short version of “Shake It Off,” her favorite Swift song, and offered advice on door-to-door campaigning, noting her long history of political activism. Senator Warren praised the participants, saying, “You are resilient and know how to stand up to bullies. That’s what the Harris campaign is all about—standing up to bullies like Donald Trump.”
Other speakers included Representative Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Representative Becca Balint of Vermont, and North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton.
While Taylor Swift wasn’t involved with the group or present on the call, organizers invited her on social media, saying she was “always welcome to show up to our party.”
Swift’s popularity has soared over the last year, with her Eras Tour selling out stadiums globally and her recent relationship with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce attracting even more attention.
The Democratic campaign has been eager to secure Swift’s endorsement. Biden’s team aimed for her support before he stepped aside for Harris. Rumors circulated about potential performances by Swift or Beyoncé at the Democratic National Convention, but neither occurred.
Trump has also sought Swift’s support, even posting a digitally manipulated image on his social media platform, Truth Social, falsely showing her endorsing him.
Swift may become more politically active this election cycle. Last September, she encouraged her followers to register to vote on Instagram, leading to over 35,000 new voter registrations through the nonprofit Vote.org, according to the organization. In 2020, Swift endorsed Biden for president.
The recent Democratic National Convention also featured appearances by several other cultural figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Mindy Kaling, and John Legend.
