Vice President Kamala Harris has recently announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination for the 2024 presidential election. This has led to speculation on possible endorsements, particularly from pop superstar Taylor Swift who previously supported the Biden-Harris ticket in the 2020 election.
With President Joe Biden bowing out of the race following concerns about his age and cognitive fitness, the path has been cleared for Harris to seek the nomination, backed by Biden’s support. An endorsement from Swift, who commands a massive and loyal following, could significantly bolster Harris’s campaign.
A January 2024 poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek revealed that 18 percent of 1,500 voters were inclined or significantly inclined to vote for a candidate endorsed by Swift. Remarkably, 45 percent of all respondents identified as fans of the pop icon, underlining Swift’s potential sway over voter decisions.
In the 2020 elections, Swift publicly endorsed Biden and Harris through a post showing herself with cookies iced with “Biden-Harris 2020.” In an interview, she expressed her belief that Biden and Harris could initiate a healing process in America. Swift accentuated the importance of a president who prioritizes the safety and representation of people of color, women’s reproductive rights, and the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Since Harris’s announcement, a fan-led initiative, “Swifties for Harris,” has appeared on various social media platforms. While not officially affiliated with Swift, the initiative aims to rally Swift’s fans in support of Democratic candidates and hopes to gain Swift’s endorsement.
In the past, Swift’s political endorsements have proven influential. Her 2018 Instagram post promoting voter registration led to over 35,000 new registrations. If Swift endorses Harris, it could potentially influence the outcome of the general election.
In the run-up to Harris’ announcement, Ivanka Trump sought to court Swift by posting pictures of a birthday cake for her daughter, referencing Swift’s music. Despite these efforts, given Swift’s previous criticism of Donald Trump, it seems improbable that Swift would endorse his campaign.
The possibility of Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris remains a topic of considerable speculation. As Swift’s fans and political analysts await her decision, her engagement in the 2024 election may once more underscore the potent intersection of pop culture and politics.