A wide range of grassroots groups, from nerds to headbangers, white guys to Swifties, are all focused on one common goal: electing Harris as VP.
Less than two months after Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris, a slew of demographic-based groups have sprung up aimed at mobilizing voters and raising big campaign funds.
Many organizers credit the “Win With Black Women” call for sparking a virtual fundraising trend, with more than 40,000 people attending the July event.
Since then, countless calls have been organized by a dizzying array of groups, including “White Men Support Harris,” “Cat Ladies Support Kamala,” and “Cartoonists Support Harris.”
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (Democrat) believes the surge in identity-based appeals is the result of pent-up passions among voters.
“There was kind of an extraordinary burst of energy when Kamala Harris came on the scene, but most campaigns can only absorb so much. They're limited in how you can donate and volunteer. This is a new way for people to get involved,” de Blasio told ITK.
“There's a general desire for community that permeates much of American life now,” he added. “Some of the traditional forms of community are degenerating, so people are looking for new forms.”
Earlier this month, Mayor de Blasio helped coordinate “Paisans for Kamala,” an event that brought together Robert De Niro, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and other Italian American “celebrities and political leaders to share family recipes and cultural traditions while discussing the importance of the 2024 elections.”
Mayor de Blasio added that “people appreciate that their political values align with those of their community,” and that “it's a lot of fun. Unfortunately, a lot of traditional politics has become stagnant and uninteresting, and I think a lot of people have dropped off for that reason. Doing something more fun and spontaneous is another way to get people back involved.”
Long before Taylor Swift herself endorsed Harris in a social media post after the presidential debate,Swifties for KamalaThey quickly took action, and 35,000 people helped raise $130,000 through fundraising calls.
“For Swifties and all other groups, it's about meeting people where they are and being able to have an entry point from there,” said April Glick Prito, political director for Swifties for Kamala.
The group describes itself as “a coalition of Taylor Swift fans committed to working together to protect the historic democracy of the United States of America” and ensure Harris' victory.
“A lot of times in an election year, people parachute into communities and tell people this is how they believe it should be, and it's not always as effective as we'd like,” Glick-Prito said.
“Politics feels like a barrier for a lot of people,” added Glick Prito, communications coordinator for New York Citizens Action.
“Instead of just saying, 'Go out and volunteer,' more people are wanting to get involved because it feels more natural to them.”
On Thursday, White Dudes for Harris announced a $10 million ad buy targeting voters in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. The minute-plus-long video praises former President Trump for his firm grip on white male voters, but says Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are “really speaking to guys like us.”
“For too long, Donald Trump has filled the minds of too many white men in this country with lies, and in the months since we launched White Dudes for Harris, we've learned that there are people out there who are truly hungry for an alternative,” the group's founder, Ross Morales Lockett, said in a statement.
And many more virtual meetings are expected to be held in Harris' name.
Metal, hardcore, punk musicFans are excitedThe “Headbangers for Harris” fundraiser took place on Tuesday, headlined by Testament lead guitarist Alex Skolnick.
A “Geeks and Nerds for Harris” event, hosted by “Wonder Woman” star Lynda Carter, is scheduled to take place next week.
“We have such a diverse fanbase,” said Sabrina Cartan, co-creator of the show.Events on September 24thwith Mr. Carter. Maniacal highlights included a “Star Trek” reunion and remarks from a group of former NASA astronauts.
“[Political commentator] “Eli Meystal will be playing Gandalf and will provide a little analysis of how the Supreme Court is very similar to the Council of Elrond in 'The Lord of the Rings,'” Cartan said.
“I think what's fun and interesting about this event is that it's a very inclusive affinity group so there are so many different groups of people participating. It's not based on a specific identity. It's more about what you love than who you are,” Curtan added, saying organizers are expecting more than 100,000 participants.
On Thursday night, Harris will join Oprah Winfrey in her own support of the grassroots rally, calling on her to “Unite for America,” a livestreamed event that will bring together Winfrey, black women and more than 140 pro-Harris organizations.
Rally organizers say they aren't worried about potential criticism that mobilizing voters based on demographics could create division rather than unity.
“We can take real pride in our identity and use that to fuel our contributions to the country we all love,” Mayor de Blasio said.
Curtan said the “Geeks and Nerds” event is “incredibly inclusive.”
“It doesn't divide people, unless you're a bully or you think you're too cool to be a nerd, and anyone can be a nerd,” Curtan said.
After a string of successful events in support of Harris, Swifties supporter Glick Prito said bringing together identity-based groups for flashy online fundraisers could be the future of political campaigns.
“If we win, of course, Swifties for Kamala will be doing a 'Taylor version' in 2028. We'll definitely be a part of whatever they do.”
