Swifties for Kamala: Turning Passion into Action
Many people are scratching their heads about why Donald Trump sent out a social media post on Sunday declaring: “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” One thing that post did was to fire up the “Swifties for Kamala” organization.
Swifties Respond with Enthusiasm
“As soon as we saw the post, we knew this was an opportunity. Our team was ready to go with lyric response ideas and ways to tie in our calls to donate and volunteer,” said Carly Long, a member of the group’s communications team, in a statement.
“We use the memes to catch people’s attention, and then tell them how to turn that emotion into action. Swifties know that haters gonna hate, but we also know we can do more than just shake, shake, shake.”
Fundraising Success
The group has thus far raised $40,000 for the Harris-Walz campaign off of Trump’s post, and have now raised more than $207,000 for the campaign since starting their fundraising efforts two months ago. A few weeks ago they held an inaugural fundraising call that was joined by 27,000 viewers, and featured appearances by famed singer Carole King and Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand and Ed Markey.
Future Plans and Outreach Efforts
In addition to fundraising and phone banking, the Swifties for Kamala organization says they are planning additional outreach efforts — particularly in swing states. Something important to note is that they are planning to do major voter outreach efforts tied to the remaining dates of Swift’s Eras Tour, which is currently on break but starts up again in Miami on October 18 — great timing.
Meet Irene Kim
Irene Kim is cofounder and executive director of Swifties for Kamala, which is a volunteer-led organization with more than 3,500 volunteers (!) that is independent of the Harris-Walz campaign (although they have been in touch). In a recent interview with the BBC, Kim says she decided to get involved with campaigning for Harris-Walz because she wants the United States to see its first female president and believes that Kamala Harris will “protect our rights, the rights of our friends, our family members.”
A Natural Movement
Soon after Harris announced her intention to run for president, Irene Kim, 29, who spends as many as 14 hours a day talking to fellow Swifties online and has attended more than five of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour concerts, sprung into action. Along with other mega-fans who supported Harris, they created social media accounts, memes, montages, and newsletters, all in a bid to help their favorite candidate win the election.
Kim, who says she has never participated in political campaigning like this before, thinks everyone came together in a really “natural” way. They’re using the skills she says they’ve developed — from strategizing how to buy tickets for the sold-out Eras tour and auctioning off merchandise like signed Taylor Swift records — to try and swing an election.
Swift’s Endorsement Boosts Morale
The Swifties for Kamala group didn’t know that Swift’s endorsement of Harris was coming, but they had planned for it anyway. Since Swift’s endorsement, Kim says it’s been “absolutely madness in the best way” for the group. She says they’ve seen a spike in voter registration activity and a “huge boost on social media” because of the endorsement. She also says it’s been a “huge morale” boost for the Swifties involved in the group.
Friendship Bracelets and Growing Momentum
In another sign of the growing momentum behind the Swifties for Kamala movement, following Swift’s endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket the campaign quickly sold out of a Swift-inspired friendship bracelet (friendship bracelets are a big thing in Swifties fandom world). However, if you go to the Harris-Walz store right now they appear to be in stock again.
Get them while you can!
The Power of Swifties
Kim says that the efforts of Swifties for Kamala are “proof of the power Swifties have. We’re building off our existing fandom culture to make voting and politics accessible.”
Thank you Swifties!!! Let’s do this.
FAQs
What is the “Swifties for Kamala” movement?
The “Swifties for Kamala” movement refers to a group of supporters of Taylor Swift who are also backing Kamala Harris in the upcoming elections. This movement highlights the intersection of pop culture and politics, where fans of a celebrity are also advocating for a political candidate.
Why are Taylor Swift fans supporting Kamala Harris?
Taylor Swift fans are supporting Kamala Harris due to her progressive policies and her commitment to women’s rights, which align with the values and ideals often championed by Swift’s fan base. The movement aims to mobilize young voters and leverage the influence of popular culture to drive political engagement.
How did the “Swifties for Kamala” movement start?
The movement likely began organically through social media platforms, where fans of Taylor Swift started expressing their support for Kamala Harris. It gained momentum as more fans joined in, sharing their reasons for backing the vice president on various online forums and communities.
What are some key policies that Kamala Harris supports that resonate with Taylor Swift fans?
- Women’s Rights: Kamala Harris has been a strong advocate for women’s rights, including reproductive rights and equal pay. These issues are often central to the values of many Taylor Swift fans.
- Climate Change: Harris has emphasized the need for urgent action on climate change, which is a concern shared by many young people and pop culture enthusiasts.
- Immigration Reform: Her stance on immigration reform, focusing on humane treatment and pathways to citizenship, resonates with fans who value compassion and social justice.
How can I get involved in the “Swifties for Kamala” movement?
To get involved, you can start by sharing your support on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using hashtags such as #SwiftiesForKamala. You can also participate in local campaign events or volunteer for organizations that align with Kamala Harris’s policies.
What role does social media play in the “Swifties for Kamala” movement?
Social media plays a crucial role in the “Swifties for Kamala” movement by providing a platform for fans to express their support and mobilize others. Platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram are used to create engaging content that highlights why fans are backing Kamala Harris.
Are there any notable celebrities or influencers supporting the “Swifties for Kamala” movement?
While Taylor Swift herself has not publicly endorsed Kamala Harris, other celebrities and influencers within the pop culture sphere have expressed their support for the vice president. This includes artists who share similar values and fans who are leveraging their influence to drive political engagement.
How can I stay updated on the latest news about the “Swifties for Kamala” movement?
You can stay updated by following reputable news sources that cover politics and pop culture. Websites like Daily Kos often provide in-depth coverage of such movements. Additionally, following hashtags related to the movement on social media will keep you informed about the latest developments.
What impact could the “Swifties for Kamala” movement have on the upcoming elections?
The “Swifties for Kamala” movement could have a significant impact on the upcoming elections by mobilizing young voters who are passionate about both pop culture and progressive policies. By leveraging the influence of popular culture, this movement aims to increase voter turnout and drive support for Kamala Harris among a demographic that is often crucial in electoral outcomes.
