“Kamala loves a Venn diagram, right? In one circle, you’ve got Swifties who love Taylor, and in the other circle, you’ve got people who love Kamala. In the middle, you have us – these people who support Taylor and support Kamala,” explained Lexa Hayes, the friendship bracelet coordinator of the new organizing group Swifties for Kamala, in an interview with Mashable. The coalition, which operates independently of Taylor Swift herself, aims to leverage the passion and online savvy of Swift fans to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.
Hayes, along with other Taylor Swift fans like April Glick Pulito and Annie Wu Henry, have brought professional campaign experience to Swifties for Kamala. The group has received support from the Democratic Party and has hosted events featuring prominent political figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren and fundraising efforts that have raised over $100,000 for the Harris campaign.
Swifties for Kamala, while similar to other affinity groups in bringing diverse individuals together for a common cause, faces challenges in aligning with Taylor Swift’s own political actions and beliefs. Swift’s recent actions, such as her interactions with Trump supporters and her environmental impact, have caused some fans to question her alignment with the group’s policy stances.
Despite these challenges, Swifties for Kamala remains dedicated to supporting Vice President Harris and building a better future, drawing inspiration from Swift’s message of inclusiveness and progress in her music and activism. The group defines their policy stances as “equality, freedom, and safety,” reflecting Swift’s own evolution as an artist and advocate for social change.