Fans of Taylor Swift, known as Swifties, are convinced that the global pop star has discreetly shown her support for the Harris-Walz ticket, a belief fueled by a single Instagram picture. While a picture alone doesn’t constitute an endorsement, it reveals the fervent anticipation among fans of both Swift and Harris for any sign of support, a sign that could prove pivotal in the upcoming election.
The speculation arose from images posted on Swift’s Instagram showcasing her three consecutive nights in Warsaw, Poland. One particular picture captured Swift on stage playing guitar, with a silhouette in the background that some believe resembles Kamala Harris. This sparked a frenzy on social media, with users interpreting the image as a subtle nod to Harris. One user commented, “[Swift] is lowkey endorsing @KamalaHarris on @instagram. No public statement yet, besides this pic,” while another exclaimed, “Taylor Swift just low key endorsed Kamala Harris and MAGA is losing their minds.”
However, this apparent endorsement seems to be wishful thinking on the part of Swifties and Harris supporters. A source close to Swift, quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, confirmed that the silhouette is actually one of Swift’s background singers. The easily debunked “soft launch” of Swift’s support for Harris highlights the intense obsession of Swifties in decoding what they perceive as Easter eggs, believing every detail holds a hidden message. It also demonstrates the eagerness of Swifties for their idol to take a political stance. This eagerness is mirrored by Harris fans, who are anxiously awaiting any sign of support from the singer.
Swift’s political influence is undeniable. In 2018, she broke her long-standing silence on political matters by endorsing Democratic candidates in the US midterm elections. In 2020, she endorsed President Biden through a video message on Instagram. Her influence extends beyond mere endorsements. In September 2022, Swift posted a short message on Instagram urging her 272 million followers to register to vote. This simple message led to a staggering 1,226% increase in participation on the nonpartisan nonprofit Vote.org website in the hour following the post. The number of 18-year-olds registering to vote more than doubled compared to 2022 figures.
Swift’s influence extends beyond the United States. This year, Brussels requested Swift’s support ahead of the European Parliament elections. The backing of a figure like Swift could provide a significant boost to the Democratic ticket in the US election, with California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly appealing for Swift to promote the Democrats. Newsom believes that Swift’s influence will have “a profoundly powerful impact on the 2024 US presidential election.” He told TMZ, “What she was able to accomplish just in getting young people activated to consider that they have a voice and that they should have a choice in the next election, I think, is profoundly powerful.”
Conservatives are equally aware of Swift’s influence, and have been actively attempting to discredit, criticize, and even threaten the pop star. Some have gone as far as to launch attacks should Swift endorse the Democratic ticket. The recent speculation over the silhouette even made it to Fox News, where a pundit argued, “leave politics out of entertainment” while complaining about a backup dancer’s attire.
Swift’s liberal views are well-known. She has previously spoken out in favor of reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and gun control, making her potential support for Harris unsurprising. Currently, Swift is on the European leg of her “Eras Tour,” with five more dates planned in London before concluding at the end of the year. On Wednesday, three concerts in Vienna were canceled after Austrian officials announced the arrests of two men accused of planning an attack. Swift was scheduled to perform at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, leaving her Austrian fans disheartened. This cancellation follows the tragic death of three children attending a dance class inspired by her music in Southport, UK, last week. Swift expressed her grief over this atrocity.
Persistent rumors suggest that Swift may be heading to Paris on Sunday for the closing ceremony of the Fête de la Musique, joining artists like AIR, Phoenix, and Tom Cruise, who are also rumored to be participating.
