'We all know who runs the world': Walz, like Harris, revealed as member of Beyhive
By Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY,
2024-08-06
On Tuesday morning, Vice President Kamala Harris announced she is standing in "Formation" with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in an effort to defeat their Republican opponents − Donald Trump and JD Vance −in November's high-stakes election.
Outside of their political ambitions, both Harris and Walz have another interest in common: Their "Irreplaceable" love for Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter.
Last year, during the Grammy-winning musician's Renaissance World Tour, Walz welcomed Bey to Minneapolis during her stop at Huntington Bank Stadium on July 20, 2023.
"I might be Governor of Minnesota, but we all know who runs the world. Welcome to Minnesota, Beyoncé!" Walz said at the time.
The governor, along with city Mayor Jacob Frey , decided to declare that date as "Bey Day," dubbing her "one of the most influential artists in the world."
"Beyoncé's exceptional artistry, empowering messages, and captivating performances have inspired millions, leaving a lasting impression on communities far and wide," the proclamation stated.
Harris gets the green light to use one of Beyoncé's biggest hits
Beyoncé's team has reportedly given Harris permission to use the 2016 song "Freedom" for her campaign. The Democratic presidential nominee played the record featured on Bey's "Lemonade" album during her first official visit to campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, in July.
The lyrics, "I'ma keep running because a winner don't quit on themselves," could be heard blasting from the speakers as Harris joined the applause at the podium.
The song was also used in the background of her first "Harris For President" ad : "In this election, we each face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in? There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate. But us, we choose something different. We choose freedom," Harris said.
Beyoncé hasn't publicly endorsed a candidate, but her mother, Tina Knowles, expressed her full support for the Harris ticket.
"New, Youthful, Sharp, energy!!!! You asked for it and our President Biden did what was best for the country! Putting personal Ego, power and fame aside," Knowles wrote in an Instagram post ."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."
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
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