Beyoncé backs Kamala Harris, approves 'Freedom' song for presidential campaign
What's the story
US Vice President Kamala Harris has received approval from Beyoncé to use her song Freedom as part of her presidential campaign, per a CNN report. The permission was granted swiftly, just hours before Harris made her first public appearance since President Joe Biden endorsed her candidacy. During this visit to her campaign headquarters on Monday, Harris walked out to the empowering lyrics of Freedom: Freedom, Freedom/Where are you/Hey! I'ma keep running/Cause a winner don't quit on themselves.
Unofficial endorsement
Know why Beyoncé's apparent approval matters
While Beyoncé has not officially endorsed Harris since Biden announced he would not seek a second term, the permission to use Freedom as a campaign song suggests the singer's support for the Vice President. Known for her strict music clearance guidelines, Beyoncé's approval is seen as significant. However, no official statements have been made by either the Harris campaign or a representative for Beyoncé regarding this matter.
Twitter Post
Take a look at this video here
MOTHER!
— COWBOY CARTER Updates 𐚁 ⭑ (@B7Album) July 22, 2024
Kamala Harris uses ‘FREEDOM’ by Beyoncé & Kendrick Lamar as her very first walk up song on her presidential campaign. pic.twitter.com/O8hEIHXnDb
Family support
Meanwhile, Beyoncé's mother has publicly endorsed Harris for President
In related news, Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother, publicly endorsed Harris on Sunday. She expressed her support through an Instagram post featuring a photo of herself with Harris and the caption: "New, youthful, sharp energy!!!!" Knowles further commented: "Putting personal ego, power and fame aside. That is the definition of a great leader. Thank you, President Biden for your service and your leadership. Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Let's Go."
Political endorsements
Beyoncé's history of supporting Democratic candidates
Beyoncé has a history of endorsing Democratic candidates. In 2013, she performed the US national anthem at President Barack Obama's inauguration. She and her husband Jay-Z also headlined a pre-election concert for Hillary Clinton in Ohio in 2016. During that time, Beyoncé stated: "I want my daughter to grow up seeing a woman lead our country and knowing that her possibilities are limitless," adding, "And that's why I am with her." In 2020, she endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket.