'Underestimate us. That will be fun.' Taylor Swift fans mobilize for Kamala Harris

[B.See]

‘Underestimate us. That will be fun.’ Taylor Swift fans mobilize for Kamala Harris - The Kansas City Star via Yahoo

Taylor Swift has not endorsed anyone in this year’s presidential race. But her army of fans isn’t waiting for her. Swifties know which way she leans.

Since (Last) Sunday, when Biden stepped down from his reelection campaign and Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, Swifties have flooded social media supporting Harris, enchanted by the prospect of the first female president.

If the mammoth success of Swift’s tour has demonstrated anything, it’s this: When millions of Swifties mobilize, get out of their way.

And by millions we mean her 283 million Instagram followers, 32.8 million TikTok followers and 95 million followers on X.

[Silver Gaia]

1. I wonder, though, how many of her 283 million Instagram followers

are American voters. That is surely a worldwide following. I'm sure it is still a lot of people who can be a powerful force for our side, but it has to translate into votes for Kamala. I'm just curious, and don't expect there to be a way to break down that figure any further.

[hlthe2b]

2. A major proportion are worldwide. There are only 333million US residents and as popular as she is,

I don't think one can propose anything approaching that kind of proportion are her fans on Instagram...

[Elessar Zappa]

3. True but

the swing states will likely be decided by a small margin and if the Swifties are motivated to come out and vote, it may be enough to swing things our way.

[Silver Gaia]

7. We can hope so...

[hlthe2b]

8. As I said, I don't diminish her potential impacts--just trying to keep the estimates of her "reach" in US realistic

to "Earth 1"... Let our opponents play on "Earth 2" and unrealistic expectations.

[Silver Gaia]

14. Agreed

[Silver Gaia]

5. Well, yes, that was my thought...

So therefore, what purpose does it serve to mention how many followers she has (worldwide) on Instagram? That figure is meaningless in terms of voters in this election.

[hlthe2b]

9. Yes....

[LuvLoogie]

11. It's not meaningless. It means she has appeal

across cultures and age groups. Four generations of Swifties out there. I am a man approaching retirement age and a Swiftie. Kamala is trying to cultivate diverse appeal.

It's an ecosystem. If Taylor Swift brings joy and enthusiasm and empathy to the planet, her followers being on our side can only benefit us - - irrespective of the votes that may be generated. Buzz matters. Taylor hears them. That matters. Her songs of holding fast through turmoil inspire people.

[hlthe2b]

16. Oh fer gawd's sakes... No one is denying her worldwide reach & popularity. The other poster was merely

reflecting that the former misinterpreted statistic is not accurately reflective of her potential impact in the election--which will still be incredible--especially if she joins her supporters in endorsing Harris.

Are Swift's fans this sensitive that pointing out that-- while having 238 million Instagram fans is amazing, that is worldwide and as such does not accurately reflect how many she has in the US-- causes great offense? To suggest otherwise is ludicrous given there are only 333 million people in the US in total--all ages, 1 day post birth to our oldest. I do not believe Swifites to be the proverbial delicate snowflake, but to argue this silliness suggests just the opposite. There is no need to use such hyperbole. She has amazing reach, an amazing fanbase, and could have dramatic influence on the US election if she so chooses. My hat is off to her and her success, no matter what she decides to do.

For heavens' sake, LuvLoogie, I'm glad you are a fan, but put it in perspective!

[uncle ray]

17. do bots and trolls have reach?

they have certainly influenced past elections.

[LuvLoogie]

18. The OP never suggested that 100s of millions

of followers meant hundreds of millions of votes.

Your projecting a post hoc ergo propter hoc onto the writer.

I was answering the assertion that the size of her following was meaningless in a political hard numbers way. It isn't.

And I do put it into perspective. Read her lyrics. They're really, really good on a variety of issues. The Swifties are a bona fide community that is coalescing around an emotional connection to each other. It's grass roots and is likely an antithesis of MAGA.

[hlthe2b]

20. OMG. Please just stop... .I am so embarrassed to see you continue like this. No one is attacking Taylor.

I know you know that no one is attacking Taylor. Please take a breath and realize that. No one is attacking Taylor Swift... Quite the contrary!

[LizBeth]

22. Actually you are wrong and following the misinformed hype so many others project.

(Did you edit? I swear I read you talk about her 15 yr old fan base, hence my reply).

Taylor Swift, also known as "Swifties", has a diverse fan base across demographics:

Ethnicity: In 2023, 74% of US fans were white, 13% were Black, 9% were Asian, and 4% were other races. In October 2023, 25% of Hispanic adults and 18% of Black adults identified as fans.
Gender: 52% of fans are women and 48% are men.

Age: Fans are spread across generations, with 45% being millennials, 23% being baby boomers, 21% being Generation X, and 11% being Generation Z. However, some say that Swift has cultivated a larger Gen Z fanbase since a 2023 survey, and that a survey conducted today would likely show a higher share of Gen Z fans.

Politics: 55% of fans are Democratic, 23% are Republican, and 23% are independent.

Other interests: 38% of fans are also football fans, which is slightly higher than the national average of 34%. Fans also have a strong appreciation for other genres of music, including 90s, 80s, and country.

[hlthe2b]

23. I never said anything to remotely incite your response. This is beyond damned ridiculous.

I like Swift but I am embarrassed seeing you react like this. I merely stated that the numbers quoted for her supposed US Instagram were reflective of the worldwide fan base--amazing as it is. That's great. It is not relevant.

Get a damned grip. No one is disparaging Taylor. It is embarrassing to see. I get it. You are her #1 Fan. Good on you. This is not a competition. Embarrassing wins the day, though.

[LizBeth]

24. It was 16 not 15 and fan girls not fan base.

"16-year-old fan girls be so hypersensitive," I could not find where the edits were to take a look after I posted and saw the change but knew we were talking about her young age fans cause every one does. I was surprised by the demographics myself not being a particular fan, but being a person that does the research cause she is so unfairly attack BY THE RIGHT, not you, I like to be informed to address them.

But... you being embarrassed for me for whatever reason, hey.... whatever, if it floats your boat. You sure do go on and on and on painting me in your perceived embarrassment of fandom, don't really get why but who am I to interfere.

BTW, I thought demographics were interesting and it is part of the conversation since it all started with her followers so I am going to leave them posted for anyone interested. You hlthe2b, have a good Monday. I think I am going to play hookie cause I have to deal [with the IRS and it just might take all day.

[hlthe2b]

26. JHC. Would you get a grip?? No one is disparaging Swift. Quite the contrary. Would you get a grip on yourself?

OMG. What on earth is going on with you that you are so crazed by my questioning using a worldwide Instagram figure instead of that for her US Instagram numbers--for an issue that is US voter-specific? My GOD. Get a grip! I'm now worried about you--especially with your mention that you have to deal with IRS now (!). Please take a breath before doing so. Good luck (and I sincerely mean that).

[LizBeth]

28. JHC, get a grip 3x, OMG, crazed, My GOD, worried about me?

That reply got this response and you are worried about me? Please, relax, all is good!

Edit to your edit.... and take a breathe. I assure, all is good even calling IRS, not a biggie. I am pretty honest just always a hassle. And thank you for sincere, I can always embrace sincere

[hlthe2b]

29. I'm done. I wish you well

But put me on "ignore."

[LizBeth]

30. Done is good. I have never put someone on ignore. Have a happy day.

[LuvLoogie]

32. LOL. Nobody said you were attacking Taylor.

Lighten up, Francis.

[LizBeth]

21. I have listened to the song but dont actively listen though now I can pick out one of hers

if I hear it playing BUT.... I started getting to know her last Sept when I was seeing all these men butthurt. Was totally clueless on the Chiefs, Travis and family and Swift and over this last yr I have had such a blast watching all them. They have brought me so much joy and giggles and out right laughing.... just lots of fun.

And EVERY thread with Swift or the Kelces you have the rw and especially the rw Christian on these threads being little snowflakes melting down. They are so afraid of Swift. So afraid. I say, ... go play women, will flip these people out even more.

[LuvLoogie]

34. I think she is a great poet, really creative.

And great song writer. I say this as someone who was into 70s hard rock/heavy metal in my teen years. I enjoy a wide variety of music from Joni Mitchell to obscure metal bands, jazz and fusion artists of different eras, world folk and traditional, classical, R&B.

Taylor Swift is a great pop artist, but it's her empathy and gumption expressed through her art that inspires the connection across people's and ages.

She's always been great lyrically, and her writing has matured in its perspective and complexity.

[LizBeth]

35. This.... I am still throwing on my other stuff to dance to, lol 70' 80' 90's

and this is not really dancing music for me, but.... the poetry yes and business acumen and just all around kindness and caring and giving. I also really love listening to her, she is sharp and I like that kind of conversation. Just a lot to be impressed with. I love to hear her talk to the young women today her experience in a man's world....

[LizBeth]

19. RIght... It would be fun for the other countries to jump in

and get excited about the race.... little universal energy.

[Walleye]

4. I'm encouraged that they are finding out. You can get some fun out of winning an election.

[JT45242]

6. Most importantly working on registering voters

Adding 5-20k swiftie voters in each state (or even more) makes a huge difference.

Young women (primarily) voting to protect their rights and prevent the dystopian project 2025 swing close states to much more safely blue.

I saw somewhere that they were putting QR codes on the trading bracelets and registering thousands upon thousands of voters daily.

[Silver Gaia]

10. That is much more useful information.

[gab13by13]

12. Taylor Swift would lead a movement

of young voters to the polls. Taylor Swift publicly endorsing Kamala Harris would be a BFD. A movement beats a politician and Taylor would lead a movement.

The problem is, endorsing Kamala comes with strings attached, the Magat death threats. What they did to the Dixie Chicks will seem like child's play. An endorsement of Kamala will change her life style, maybe change her career. Does she want to have to deal with all that will be thrown at her? TSF already semi-threatened her, his base is standing back and standing by.

[Vinca]

13. The thing about the Swifties is the ones too young to vote have parents who have also turned

into Taylor Swift fans and will vote for Kamala. This is a massive group of voters!

[Deuxcents]

31. Exactly what I was thinking reading these posts.

How many dads have been interviewed n supporting their daughters? Kids can be persuasive n it would be a mistake to underestimate them n their influence on parents, teachers..who knows how many others.

[Prairie Gates]

15. "Swift Fans" are the new "Anonymous"

[ck4829]

25. K&R

[getagrip_already]

27. Taylor has been inspiring young fans for a decade....

Those who started with her at 10 or 11 are now 20 or 21. Thousands, if not tens of thousands, who were too young to vote in the last election can vote now.

She is a force, and she hates tsf.

[gab13by13]

33. ...and TSF fears her.

The tide has turned....It's gonna be a bright bright sun shiny day.

[B.See]

36. Yes, I think any mobilization

of Taylor's fan base for Kamala is GREAT news, because for one, it is indicative of which candidate more closely aligns with issues of concern to them, and because a vocal, energized, and enthusiastic
Youth vote is vital to Kamala's campaign. The importance of which cannot and should not be underestimated.