Taylor Swift has made a surprising political move, taking to social media to endorse Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.
Her endorsement came just hours after the first Presidential Debate, where Harris and Donald Trump went head-to-head.
In a post shared with her 238 million followers, Swift expressed her admiration for Harris, calling her a “steady-handed, gifted leader” and a “warrior” for causes she holds dear, such as LGBTQ+ rights and women’s reproductive freedoms.
Under a photo of her holding her cat Olivia Benson, Swift said that she had also watched the debate and done her own research into which candidate she would be voting for.
“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,” she wrote. “As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.”
Swift’s decision to speak out was driven by a personal encounter with misinformation. A false AI-generated image showing her endorsing Donald Trump appeared on his website back in August, prompting her to address the growing issue of AI and fake news head-on.
“It really conjured up my fears around AI and the dangers of spreading misinformation,” the “Fortnight” singer wrote. “The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.”
The music juggernaut’s endorsement did not go unnoticed by the candidates. Following the debate, Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz praised Swift during an interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, where he called her post both “eloquent” and courageous.
“I am incredibly grateful, first of all, to Taylor Swift,” Walz said. “That was eloquent, and that’s the type of courage we need in America to stand up.” Walz encouraged Swift’s loyal fanbase, known as “Swifties,” to visit the Harris-Walz campaign website and get involved in the election process.
Swift also included a playful yet pointed jab in her post, signing off as the “Childless Cat Lady,” referencing previous comments made by GOP vice-presidential candidate JD Vance about prominent Democrats without children.
“Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make,” she urged in her statement.
It’s not first time the singer-songwriter has spoken up for Democratic candidates. In 2018, Swift famously broke her silence around politics to endorse Phil Bredesen in his race against Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, saying Blackburn’s voting record “appals and terrifies me.”
In the 2020 election between President Joe Biden and Trump, Swift shared her support for President Biden and Vice President Harris.
Swift’s latest endorsement could very well make an impact among younger voters who make up a significant part of her fanbase. The “Cruel Summer” hitmaker’s influence is hard to ignore, with her latest album The Tortured Poets Department spending 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, giving her a total of 14 No. 1 albums and 17 Top 10s on the chart over the years.
With grassroots efforts like “Swifties for Kamala” gaining momentum, and her massive fanbase following her lead, Swift’s endorsement may prove to be a powerful force in engaging young voters as the election draws near.
See Swift’s full endorsement below:
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.
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. 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.
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.
With love and hope,
Taylor Swift
Childless Cat Lady
