Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz are tapping into pop culture for their 2024 campaign, adopting a Taylor Swift-themed strategy to connect with young voters. After Swift publicly endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket, the duo incorporated references to the pop star into their campaign messaging. From friendship bracelets emblazoned with “Harris-Walz” to slogans like “We’re in the Age of Kamala,” the campaign has fully embraced Swift’s influence to rally enthusiasm and drive voter participation nationwide.
Tim Walz mentions Taylor Swift in speech in Wisconsin
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate in the 2024 presidential race, has made headlines after he called former President Donald Trump “the smallest man in the world.”
The comment, made at a campaign event in Superior, Wisconsin, was a play on words inspired by pop star Taylor Swift’s song “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” a track from her album “Tortured Poets.”
Speaking to a cheering crowd, Walz credited the strong women in his life, including his wife Gwen Walz, an English teacher, for helping him succeed. “Here’s my life tip for all the guys out there,” he advised. “Surround yourself with smart women and listen to them, and you’ll be fine. By the way, that includes my cat friend Taylor Swift.”
Tim Walz: Here’s my life tip for all the guys out there: surround yourself with smart women and listen to them, and you’ll be fine. Including my cat friend Taylor Swift.
It’s amazing how all these women helped us defeat the world’s smallest man..… photo.twitter.com/mA9JN2yYG2
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 14, 2024
Walz then turned to harsh criticism of Trump, describing him as “the smallest man in the world” and receiving cheers from the crowd. The statement came shortly after Swift publicly endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket following the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on September 10.
In her endorsement, Swift condemned Trump’s use of an AI-generated fake image that falsely suggested she supported his MAGA campaign. “It resonated with my fears about AI and the dangers of spreading misinformation,” Swift said, explaining her decision to clarify her political stance. “The easiest way to fight misinformation is with the truth. I will be voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election.”
Harris uses Taylor Swift-themed campaigns
Harris and Walz were quick to back the pop star. Harris took the stage to sing Swift’s song “The Man” during his post-debate appearance, while Walz expressed his gratitude for the support. “I say this as a cat owner,” he joked in an interview with MSNBC, praising Swift’s courage in speaking out.
Kamala Harris campaign launches Taylor Swift-themed digital billboards in Times Square, Las Vegas Strip: ‘We’re in the Age of Kamala!’ https://t.co/d5q5VkAWsJ
– Henry Hodge Jr (@henrydjr) September 14, 2024
In a nod to Swift’s fan culture, the Harris-Walz campaign launched friendship bracelets bearing the slogan “Harris-Walz,” with proceeds going to the Harris Victory Fund. Billboard ads soon followed, proclaiming, “We’re in the Kamala era!” and “A new path forward… Ready for it?”
Taylor Swift supports Harris-Walz Ticket
Swift praised Harris as “a talented, strong leader” and admired Walz’s longstanding support for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s reproductive rights, and IVF rights. “I am thrilled and impressed by her choice of running mate @timwalz,” Swift added.
Swift, who signed her post “Childless Cat Lady” — a subtle nod to Trump’s vice presidential nominee JD Vance, who has previously mocked childless Democratic leaders — posted her endorsement to her 238 million Instagram followers. The post reportedly drove about 400,000 people to the Vote.gov registration page.
With Swift now firmly in the Democratic camp, her influence is expected to play a key role in mobilizing young voters ahead of the 2024 election.
Taylor Swift Card