Music icon Carole King joins ‘Swifties for Kamala’ kickoff event
Carole King performs during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Though Taylor Swift has yet to endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential race, her influence remains powerful, inspiring movements like “Swifties for Kamala,” a coalition supporting Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
Last night, this coalition held their virtual kick-off event, featuring Grammy-winning legend Carole King, famed for timeless hits like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “You’ve Got a Friend,” which was popularized by her friend, James Taylor.
In an email shared by Variety prior to the event, the organization conveyed their enthusiasm over having King as a speaker. “We wouldn’t be Swifties without Midnights Mayhem,” said political director April Glick Pulito. “With that… we are thrilled to reveal our special, surprise guest: four-time Grammy winner, singer-songwriter, and a proud Swiftie for Kamala… Carole King!”
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In an Instagram post, they shared, “This is our place, we’re having a call!”
During the virtual event, King was introduced as the “original cat lady” – having posed with a cat on the cover of her iconic 1971 album “Tapestry,” according to Variety.
She also told participants that Taylor Swift – who inducted her into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 – was her “musical and songwriting granddaughter.” Swift honored King as “the greatest songwriter of all time.”
While “Swifties for Kamala” is not officially connected to the “Cruel Summer” hitmaker, the coalition makes it clear that the pop icon is always welcome to join their efforts, writing, “Taylor is not one of our special guests, but she is always welcome to show up to our party!”
The campaign, which was also supported by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, was able to raise $138,000.
On a lighter note, the celebrity guest speaker even sang her favorite song from Swift’s discography, “Shake It Off,” and added that she has been a political activist for many years.
It is worth noting that in the 2020 election, Swift endorsed Joe Biden and was notably critical of then-President Donald Trump, especially during the George Floyd protests.
FILE – Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour, June 21, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)
On X (formerly Twitter), the group describes itself as a passionate network of Swift fans dedicated to securing Democratic victories up and down the ballot.
Adding to Harris’ growing support from artists, Filipino American pop star Olivia Rodrigo has also voiced her backing. Rodrigo supported Harris’ stance against former President Trump’s abortion policies and her advocacy for reproductive rights.
Meanwhile, Harris has delivered a unifying message in her acceptance of the Democratic nomination, positioning herself as a “president for all Americans.”
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