The Swifties, Taylor Swift’s dedicated fanbase, have been anything but idle this summer, channeling their collective energy into supporting the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz campaign. Through a fan-led initiative called “Swifties for Kamala,” they’ve managed to raise an impressive $144,000 to boost the Democratic ticket, showing how fan communities can make a real difference in politics.
On Thursday, August 29, the group shared the news on their X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting their fundraising success. Just two days before this announcement, the group hosted a Zoom event that attracted 34,000 participants, including well-known names like musician Carole King and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
The event not only raised a significant portion of the funds but also encouraged 41,000 attendees to check their voter registration, demonstrating the power of community mobilization.
“We made it count,” the group said in a message that echoed a lyric from Taylor Swift’s song “The 1” from her album Folklore. They also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making their campaign kickoff event a massive success.
Also Read: Brooke Shields’ Emotional Goodbye: Dropping Off Her Youngest Daughter at College
Swifties for Kamala’s co-founder and executive director, Irene Kim, emphasized the impact the fandom can have when they come together. In an interview with NBC News, Kim explained, “We know what our values are, and we know what Taylor’s values are. She has made them very clear to us.”
She further highlighted that the group’s mission is about uniting the community to create positive change, even though Taylor Swift herself is not officially involved with the group.
Interestingly, despite Swift’s previous support for Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election, she has not publicly endorsed Kamala Harris or Tim Walz.
However, this hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of the Swifties. Kim clarified that the group is not trying to pressure Swift into any political endorsement, stating, “We’re not trying to make her do anything – we do not speak for Taylor.”
The Zoom event played a pivotal role in the group’s fundraising efforts, with $122,000 of the total $144,000 raised during this virtual gathering. It’s a clear testament to the power of digital events and the influence of celebrity-led fandoms in modern politics.
While Taylor Swift has remained silent on the current election, many other musicians have stepped up to support Kamala Harris following Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race and endorse Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Also Read: Is Allison Holker Moving On? Her Latest Post Teases New Relationship After tWitch’s Death!
Carole King, one of the early supporters of Harris, contributed to the Zoom event by performing a surprise cover of Swift’s hit song “Shake It Off.” King also took the opportunity to encourage attendees to volunteer for the Harris campaign, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in political campaigning.
“If any of you are thinking about volunteering but are nervous about what to say, please remember, you’ll be working with an organizer who will guide you,” King assured the virtual audience. She also affectionately referred to Swift as her “musical and songwriting granddaughter,” showcasing the deep respect she has for the younger artist.
Also Read: Want to See Steve Martin and Martin Short Live in 2024? Here’s What Tickets Will Set You Back
The event also featured Senator Elizabeth Warren, who revealed her favorite Taylor Swift songs—”Karma” and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” Warren praised the Swifties for their resilience and their ability to stand up to bullies, drawing a parallel between their spirit and the Harris campaign’s mission to confront challenges posed by figures like Donald Trump.
The success of the Swifties for Kamala initiative underscores the growing trend of fan communities leveraging their collective power for political and social causes. As the 2024 election approaches, the impact of these digital and fan-driven movements will likely continue to grow, demonstrating that in the modern age, fandoms are not just about supporting an artist, but can also be a force for meaningful change.