If you’ve ever dared to say anything less than kind about Taylor Swift online, you’ve probably already come face-to-face with the brute force of her fandom. Swifties, as they’re known, are as famous for their strategic thinking (see: the downfall of Ticketmaster) as for their overwhelming passion for the object of their pop affections. So perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that a dedicated group of them—known as Swifties for Kamala—are turning their abundant energy to helping elect Kamala Harris as president this November. While the group takes pains to note it isn’t formally associated with Swift, their power is no less formidable: Swifties for Kamala has raised almost $150K in campaign contributions and recently hosted the likes of Carole King and senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey on its first fundraising call.
Vogue recently spoke to two card-carrying members of the Swifties for Kamala movement—first-time campaign volunteer Emerald Medrano and swing-state voter Carly Long—about the political motivation behind their fight, the overlap between Taylor Swift standom and Harris-Walz 2024 campaign values, and the importance of blocking a second Trump presidency. Read the full interview below:
Vogue: What drew you to get involved with the Harris-Walz 2024 campaign?
Emerald Medrano, 22, cofounder and chairman of Swifties for Kamala: In an odd way, my fears have really been what’s inspired me to act in this election. No matter what happens in November, I know I want to look back on this election season with the feeling that I did everything I could to help Kamala become the 47th president of the United States. I don’t want to live with regrets, and I don’t want to live in a country that doesn’t treat all humans with kindness. I know America is ready to be dazzling, and Kamala will let us be bejeweled.
Carly Long, 25, communications director for Swifties for Kamala: When Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominee, I felt a real sense of hope for the election. For once, I wasn’t only voting against something but for something—for someone strong and intelligent, for someone who will fight for the rights and safety of minorities, for someone fun and energetic. Her campaign has given me pride in my candidate, and I want to be part of electing the first woman to lead this country!