Music icon Taylor Swift has entered her Kamala Harris chapter during her ongoing “Eras Tour” by officially endorsing the Democratic nominee. Swift made the announcement through a detailed Instagram post following the first and likely only presidential debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump. The post not only expressed her support for Harris but also included a picture of her with her cat, Benjamin Button, signing off as “Childless Cat Lady,” in reference to 2021 comments made by JD Vance, Trump’s running mate.
This is not the first time Swift has delved into politics, but her decision to back Harris after months of speculation is significant. In her post, Swift highlighted that she admires Harris for championing causes she believes in and values her leadership qualities of being steady-handed and calm amidst chaos. Swift also referenced Trump’s fake posts suggesting she endorsed him as a catalyst for her decision to be transparent about her political stance.
Although there was no prior coordination with the Harris campaign regarding her endorsement, Swift’s post caught the attention of campaign officials who swiftly reposted her message across their channels. Swift’s previous political involvement includes endorsing Joe Biden in 2020 and openly criticizing Trump for fueling racism and white supremacy.
Swift’s first foray into politics was in 2018 when she supported Tennessee’s Democratic Senate candidate over a Republican opponent. Her influence in politics solidified despite the eventual victory of the Republican candidate. The change in Swift’s willingness to engage politically was spurred by personal experiences, including a sexual assault trial, depicted in her Netflix documentary “Miss Americana.”
While celebrity endorsements like Swift’s don’t always result in electoral wins, they can impact public opinion. Swift commands a significant following, especially among young people, which could play a role in shaping their political views. Her popularity among Democrats is particularly strong, as indicated by polls. Swift’s support for Harris could further resonate with her fans at events like the MTV Video Music Awards, potentially encouraging voter registration and political engagement.
