Harris Launches Presidential Campaign with Beyoncé's 'Freedom'

In a powerful debut as a presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris made her first public appearance at her Delaware campaign headquarters, accompanied by Beyoncé's anthem "Freedom." This event followed President Biden's recent withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris. The choice of the song, which features Kendrick Lamar, underscores themes of Black resilience and civil rights activism, resonating with Harris's campaign message. Beyoncé's representatives swiftly approved the use of "Freedom," a notable gesture given the artist's typically stringent clearance policies. The song's lyrics, emphasizing self-empowerment and perseverance, align with Harris's vision for the future of the country. During her speech, she posed a critical question to voters: “What kind of country do we want to live in?” framing her campaign around ideals of freedom, compassion, and lawfulness versus chaos and fear. Harris's connection to Beyoncé extends beyond this campaign moment; she has been a longtime fan and attended the singer's Renaissance World Tour in 2023, an event that was a personal gift from Beyoncé. The two have maintained a close relationship, with Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z being prominent supporters of Democratic candidates over the years. Beyoncé's history of political engagement includes performances for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and at Barack Obama's inaugurations in 2009 and 2013, further solidifying her role as a cultural figure intertwined with political movements. As Harris embarks on her campaign journey, the collaboration with Beyoncé signals a strategic alignment with themes of empowerment and social justice.