Carole King isn’t just a Taylor Swift fan—she’s a Swiftie who supports Kamala Harris. On August 27, the legendary singer-songwriter performed at the Swifties for Kamala coalition’s kickoff conversation, where she paid tribute to both Swift and the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate.
King began her speech on the livestream by expressing her admiration for Swift. “I’m a Swiftie and Taylor and I are actually friends,” she said. “We talked backstage and I see her as kind of my musical and songwriting granddaughter. We have a wonderful relationship and I’m so proud of her.”
She then spoke about her enthusiasm for Harris, explained that she had met the Vice President, and recalled her past as a “political activist.”
“I’ve been calling and knocking on doors, even as a celebrity,” she said. “I’m telling you all this because if any of you are thinking about volunteering as a door knocker or phone caller but are a little nervous about what you might say, please believe me, you will be working with an organizer who will show you the steps. Don’t be afraid because you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
She ended her speech with the chorus of “Shake It Off” and declared it her favorite Swift song.
Swift has not yet endorsed anyone in the 2024 presidential race, although she supported Harris when she ran for vice president alongside President Joe Biden in 2020. While she is not affiliated with Swifties for Kamala, the group has said she is “always welcome to show up at our party,” in the words of her folklore Title “Betty”.
Taylor & Carole’s story
At the 2019 American Music Awards, King presented Swift with the Artist of the Decade award. Two years later, Swift returned the favor by inducting King into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and performing a synth-pop version of her 1960 hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”
Swift frequently cited King as one of her biggest songwriting inspirations and spoke about her influence in her induction speech. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t familiar with Carole King’s music,” she said. “Her songs speak to the true and honest emotions that everyone has felt, is feeling right now, or hopes to feel one day.”
