Don Lemon Urges Taylor Swift to Publicly Back Kamala Harris Ahead of Election
Journalist Don Lemon has made an urgent plea for Taylor Swift to endorse Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
Lemon emphasized the potential impact of Swift’s influence on the upcoming election, specifically targeting younger voters, and the former CNN anchor believes that if Swift, who has a massive following, were to publicly back Harris, it could significantly affect voter turnout in November, as the Daily Mail reports.
Lemon’s remarks highlight the growing focus on Swift’s political stance as the election approaches. He noted that Swift’s platform, with nearly 500 million followers on social media, represents a unique opportunity to sway the youth vote in favor of Harris. Swift has, however, traditionally shied away from overt political endorsements to avoid alienating her diverse fanbase, known as "Swifties."
Swift’s Political Involvement in the Past
Despite her usual reluctance, Swift has expressed political opinions in recent years. In 2018, she publicly supported Democratic candidates in Tennessee and later criticized the GOP nominee ahead of the 2020 election, voicing her intent to vote him out of office. Her statements at the time were seen as a significant departure from her earlier policy of political neutrality.
Swift's 2020 documentary, Miss Americana, further revealed her evolving stance, where she discussed her need to be "on the right side of history." She has since become a vocal ally of the LGBTQ community and condemned the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, a decision that resonated with her beliefs regarding women’s reproductive rights.
Endorsement Could Sway Younger Voters
Lemon’s call for Swift’s endorsement is rooted in her ability to connect with younger audiences, many of whom are part of the demographic Harris hopes to persuade. “Taylor Swift needs to step forward. She’s very influential. She can move an election,” Lemon stated. He went on to urge Swift to take a stand on critical issues, particularly those related to women’s rights.
"If she believes in women's reproductive rights and a woman's right to choose—and in democracy, I would say that Taylor Swift needs to come through," Lemon said. He stressed the importance of using her platform for good, especially during a pivotal election year, adding, “It would be a wasted opportunity if she does not use her platform for good.”
Swift’s Historical Caution with Endorsements
Although Swift has shown support for Democratic causes in the past, she remains cautious about full-blown endorsements. She voiced this hesitancy in 2018, explaining that for most of her career, she had been reluctant to share her political views publicly. However, her experiences and world events had changed her stance, leading to more outspoken moments. "I feel very differently about that now," she remarked.
In 2020, she threw her support behind then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, aligning herself with the Democratic platform. Swift’s backing was seen as a positive influence on younger voters at the time, and she remains a potential ally for the Democratic ticket in 2024.
@Swifties4Kamala Movement
Swift’s fandom has already taken some political action. The "@Swifties4Kamala" X account, which has around 76,000 followers, is dedicated to promoting Harris and pushing for Swift’s endorsement. This online movement shows the depth of support Harris could gain from Swift’s fanbase if she were to openly endorse the vice president’s presidential run.
During the recent Democratic National Committee (DNC) convention in Chicago, attendees were encouraged to create friendship bracelets, a nod to a tradition started at Swift’s recent "Eras" tour. This effort was part of a broader attempt to engage younger voters, many of whom are Swift fans.
Biden’s Campaign Seeks Swift’s Support
The Biden-Harris campaign has also been courting Swift's endorsement, hoping to leverage her influence among younger voters. While the singer has not officially endorsed a candidate for the 2024 election, there is growing anticipation over whether she will choose to do so as Election Day draws closer.
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump questioned Swift’s political leanings, calling her liberal stance into question. This comes amid rising speculation about her potential involvement in the 2024 election cycle.
Don Lemon’s Recent Departure from CNN
Lemon’s advocacy for Swift comes just months after his departure from CNN. In April 2023, Lemon was dismissed from the network following controversial comments he made about Nikki Haley, a GOP presidential candidate. CNN’s CEO Chris Licht announced his exit, which Lemon later described as being fired, expressing disappointment over the way he was informed.
Lemon’s firing came after years of high-profile reporting, and he has since been vocal about political and social issues in various media appearances. His call for Swift’s endorsement marks his continued engagement with the political conversation, despite his absence from CNN.
Swift’s Potential Impact on the 2024 Election
As the 2024 election approaches, Lemon’s appeal to Swift reflects a broader trend of political figures and campaigns seeking endorsements from celebrities who have influence over young, politically active voters. With her extensive reach and history of advocating for human rights and democratic values, Swift’s endorsement could prove pivotal in swaying undecided voters.
For now, Swift remains silent on whether she will step into the political arena once again. Her decision, should she make one, could shape the course of the election in the coming months.
Conclusion
In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, Don Lemon has urged pop superstar Taylor Swift to endorse Kamala Harris, citing her ability to influence younger voters.
Lemon’s call comes as Swift’s past political statements and her large following have drawn attention from both sides of the political spectrum.
With Swift’s previous support of Democratic candidates and her standing as a cultural icon, her potential endorsement of Harris could make waves in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, Lemon’s plea highlights the broader efforts to galvanize youth participation as the election nears.