In a powerful display of cross-generational support and activism, legendary singer-songwriter Carole King recently took part in a Swifties for Kamala Harris organizing call, which successfully raised $122,000 for the 2024 presidential campaign. The virtual event, held via Zoom, aimed to galvanize participants into action for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, encouraging grassroots efforts such as door-knocking to support their candidacy.
Carole King, renowned for her timeless hits like “You’ve Got a Friend,” “It’s Too Late,” and “Fire and Rain,” used her platform to inspire over 27,000 attendees. Despite having no official connection to Taylor Swift’s Swifties for Kamala initiative, King made a significant impact by emphasizing the importance of personal engagement and effective communication in political campaigning.
During the call, King shared her extensive experience as a political activist and volunteer, underscoring the necessity of asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to constituents. She advised participants on crafting a compelling opening line, stating, “Hi, I want to talk to you about what is important to you in your life, and what do you want for your future?”
King also highlighted the importance of building bridges by finding common ground, saying, “A great bridge builder happens to be asking, ‘What things do you and Kamala Harris agree on?'” Her message was clear: there is much to gain from participating in the campaign and nothing to lose, with the stakes being too high to ignore.
The call also featured a heartfelt moment when Carole King, who has long admired Taylor Swift, honored the pop star as her “granddaughter in the music industry.” In a light-hearted gesture, King even performed a snippet of Swift’s hit song “Shake It Off,” celebrating the connection between the two artists. Taylor Swift had previously shown her respect for King by inducting her into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performing a cover of King’s classic, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”
The Swifties for Kamala group also unveiled their first merchandise line during the event, a blend of political activism and pop culture, which further boosted fundraising efforts. The campaign has achieved impressive milestones, raising $100,000, $113,000, and ultimately reaching $122,000.
Other notable speakers on the call included Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), who each contributed to the momentum of the event.
Carole King’s participation not only underscored her enduring commitment to political activism but also highlighted the power of music and community in shaping political landscapes. The Swifties for Kamala call served as a reminder of the collective impact that dedicated individuals and groups can make in the pursuit of a shared vision for the future.
