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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sported a friendship bracelet during the vice presidential debate, a nod familiar to Taylor Swift fans. Walz, debating Ohio Senator J.D. Vance at CBS Broadcast Center in New York City on Tuesday, Oct. 1, wore the bracelet on his right wrist. It's unclear if this was the same accessory being sold by the Harris-Walz campaign after last month's debate, which followed Swift's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
In his closing remarks, Walz incorporated pop culture references, saying, "Thanks to those still watching and to everyone who missed Dancing with the Stars tonight, I appreciate it. The support for democracy is important. Kamala Harris has built an unexpected coalition—from Bernie Sanders to Dick Cheney to Taylor Swift, and plenty of others in between. While they may not agree on everything, they are all optimistic about our country's future."
Although Vance didn't mention Swift, his pink tie sparked online buzz. Social media users were quick to comment on his attire, with one person tweeting, "Whoever picked that glittery hot pink tie for Vance should be fired—#vpdebate," while another added, "Vance is looking FABULOUS in that pink tie and eyeliner tonight." Some speculated the tie might be a nod to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which began the same day.
Taylor Swift had publicly backed Harris after her first debate against former President Donald Trump on Sept. 11, posting on Instagram, "I'm casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. Kamala fights for the rights I believe in and stands for calm leadership over chaos. I also admire her choice of running mate, Tim Walz, who has long advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF access, and women's bodily autonomy."
Swift's endorsement emphasized her alignment with the Harris-Walz campaign, further fueling the attention surrounding Walz's bracelet during the debate.
