Swifties for Kamala Coalition Raises $138,000 in Virtual Rally Despite Taylor Swift's Absence

 

The Swifties for Kamala Coalition kicked off on Tuesday with a virtual rally that successfully raised over $138,000 for Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. Despite Taylor Swift’s lack of direct involvement or public endorsement, the event drew substantial attention and support from her fanbase.

Hosted via Zoom, the rally attracted more than 26,000 participants, according to CNN. The coalition, which operates independently of Swift, has gained significant traction on social media, amassing about 250 million followers since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Harris in late July.

The event featured performances and speeches from Carole King, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand, and other Democratic figures. King, introduced as the “original cat lady,” began her segment by lauding Swift, who had previously honored King at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. King praised Harris and encouraged attendees to engage in grassroots political activism, such as phone banking and canvassing.

“I’m excited about Kamala because so many people are excited about Kamala,” King said, adding a touch of Swift’s hit “Shake It Off” to her address. She shared her experiences as a political activist and urged volunteers to embrace their efforts confidently.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, among other speakers, shared their favorite Swift songs before their remarks. Warren, who highlighted the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” and “Karma,” drew parallels between the Swifties’ activism and Harris’s campaign. She framed the campaign as a stand against political adversaries and celebrated the resilience of Swift’s supporters.

“You come together hand-in-hand, friendship bracelets on your wrist, and you overcome pretty much anything that life throws at you,” Warren said, linking this spirit to the Harris campaign’s objectives.

While Taylor Swift has not yet publicly endorsed a candidate for the 2024 election, her past support for Biden-Harris in 2020 remains a notable reference. The Swifties for Kamala Coalition is moving forward independently, with Rohan Reagan, the group’s social media manager, emphasizing that they are leveraging Swift’s fanbase to boost Harris’s campaign regardless of Swift’s personal endorsement.

“We are not waiting on Taylor to show her support for Kamala Harris,” Reagan told Cosmopolitan in August. “We are using the platform of Swifties to get people involved in the election. While Taylor did support Joe Biden in 2020, Swifties for Kamala are forging ahead on our own.”