Vice President Kamala Harris has officially kicked off her presidential campaign with a powerful first video, featuring Beyoncé’s 2016 hit song, “Freedom.”
This strategic move, reported by CNN, highlights Harris’s commitment to themes of liberation and empowerment as she embarks on her second presidential bid.
On July 22, during her first official visit to her campaign headquarters, Harris made a grand entrance accompanied by the resonant lyrics of “Freedom.”
The use of this iconic track from Beyoncé’s album “Lemonade” was not a coincidence; Harris’s team secured approval from Beyoncé’s representatives to use the song throughout the campaign, indicating strong support from the music superstar.
This development follows closely after President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he would not seek re-election in 2024, effectively passing the baton to Vice President Harris.
The quick approval from Beyoncé’s team underscores a significant endorsement, even though the singer has yet to make a formal public statement of support.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, has already shown her support for Harris. In an Instagram post following Biden’s announcement, Knowles expressed her excitement for Harris’s campaign, highlighting the Vice President’s new, youthful energy and leadership.
Beyoncé’s endorsement holds weight, given her history of supporting Democratic candidates. She performed at President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2013 and campaigned for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
In the 2020 election, Beyoncé endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket, urging her followers to vote through social media.
The choice of “Freedom,” which features Kendrick Lamar, is particularly poignant. The song, a Grammy-nominated anthem from “Lemonade,” has been a rallying cry at many demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in 2020.
As Harris launched her campaign, the lyrics of “Freedom” set a powerful tone:
“Freedom, Freedom / Where are you? / ‘Cause I need freedom, too / I break chains all by myself / Won’t let my freedom rot in hell / Hey! I’ma keep running / ‘Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves.”
With this symbolic start, Harris’s campaign is positioned to resonate deeply with voters, particularly those seeking a leader who embodies resilience and empowerment.
