Noel Drake, 29, from Utah, felt “very bleak” about politics until this year. Her disillusionment with the 2020 election changed when Taylor Swift and her fans reignited her interest. Through interactions with other Swifties, Drake found a sense of community and a reason to engage in politics, reported the BBC.
After Swift endorsed Kamala Harris, Drake followed “Swifties for Kamala,” a fan-led campaign group, which sparked her involvement in local campaigning.
The Influence of Swift on Voting
Drake isn’t alone. Dozens of voters, inspired by Swift’s posts, have become more active politically. Irene Kim, co-founder of Swifties for Kamala, turned from superfan to political strategist, helping mobilize fans through online efforts. Harvard Kennedy School found that celebrities’ “authenticity” often motivates people to vote. Within 24 hours of Swift’s endorsement, nearly 340,000 people visited a voter registration website.
The Power of Celebrity Endorsements
While Swift’s endorsement boosts Harris’s profile with young women, Trump also has celebrity endorsements like Elon Musk and Kid Rock. However, celebrity support can backfire. A Quinnipiac poll found Swift’s backing made 9% more enthusiastic about Harris but 13% less. Similarly, Musk’s endorsement of Trump had mixed reactions.
Mobilizing Voters in Swing States
Swifties for Kamala targets swing states, aiming for 22 million voter contacts by Election Day. They raised over $200,000 for Harris’s campaign, incorporating Swift-themed elements like friendship bracelets to engage fans. Despite the group’s success, some Swift fans, like Bri from Massachusetts, remain unswayed, preferring to separate politics from fandom.
The Challenges of Swifties for Kamala
Not all Swifties agree with each other politically, and debates can get heated online. Kim admits these arguments are part of the fandom experience but emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap and engaging respectfully to win over undecided voters.
