Taylor Swift Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for Presidential Run
In a significant development in the 2024 presidential race, Taylor Swift announced her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, putting an end to speculation regarding the pop star’s political allegiance prior to the upcoming election.
Following the recent debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump, Swift took to Instagram to express her thoughts on the election and the importance of informed voting. “Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country,” she wrote.
Swift also addressed the growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and misinformation, referencing a false endorsement of Trump that had been circulated. “Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth. I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.”
Harris secured the Democratic Party’s nomination earlier in August after President Joe Biden announced his exit from the 2024 race. Shortly thereafter, she revealed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
In her endorsement, Swift praised Harris’ selection of Walz. “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades,” she stated.
Swift emphasized the importance of individual research when it comes to political choices, particularly for first-time voters. “I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it’s much easier to vote early. I’ll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.”
In a lighthearted note, Swift concluded her message by referring to herself as a “childless cat lady,” a phrase previously used by Senator JD Vance to criticize Democrats.
Swift, who backed Biden and Harris in their 2020 campaign, has largely remained silent on political issues during the early years of her career, only becoming more vocal after endorsing two Democratic candidates in her home state of Tennessee during the 2018 midterm elections. In her 2020 documentary, “Miss Americana,” Swift expressed regret for not being more politically active sooner, as she felt the need to be “on the right side of history.”
Swift’s supporters, known as Swifties, have mobilized ahead of the 2024 elections, forming a community called Swifties for Kamala shortly after Biden’s withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris. The group, which Swift is not affiliated with, has garnered thousands of followers online and raised over $122,000 during their kickoff event in August, which featured speakers including Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and singer Carole King.
“We believe Harris-Walz will fight for our rights and the rights of our loved ones, and help make this country safer for everyone,” Carly Long, communications director of Swifties for Kamala, previously told CNN.
This report was contributed to by CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister and Kate Sullivan.