The remark quickly went viral, drawing attention to both Swift’s political stance and Musk’s lighthearted acknowledgment of her cultural influence.
Swift’s endorsement of Harris aligns with her history of backing Democratic candidates and progressive causes. Meanwhile, Musk, who frequently engages in political discourse on X, seemed to humorously concede to Swift’s powerful influence, particularly among her passionate fanbase known as “Swifties.” Musk’s comment appeared to recognize the sway Swift holds, especially with younger generations, in shaping public opinion.
Swift’s endorsement came shortly after the US presidential debate, with the singer posting on Instagram, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.” She shared her reaction to the debate with her 283 million followers, stating, “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.”
This endorsement follows a controversy involving AI-generated images falsely portraying Swift and her fans as Trump supporters. Swift took the opportunity to address the dangers of misinformation, especially fueled by artificial intelligence. “It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation,” she noted, explaining her decision to publicly declare her political stance.
Swift also encouraged her followers to do their own research on the candidates’ positions. “I watched the debate and urge you to do your own research on the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter most to you,” she advised.
In a witty parting note, Swift signed off her endorsement with “Childless cat lady,” a jab at a derogatory comment made by Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance in 2021. Vance had referred to senior Democrats as “a bunch of childless cat ladies” in an interview with Tucker Carlson, a remark Swift addressed directly in her closing statement.