The 2024 US election campaign sees significant attention on endorsements from celebrities and newspapers, raising questions about their influence on voter turnout and behavior. Taylor Swift recently endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, generating substantial social media engagement. A variety of artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Sally Field, have also voiced their support for Harris, while some, like Roseanne Barr, favor Trump. Analysts suggest celebrity endorsements can mobilize young voters, yet the impact of famous figures remains complex and varies by public interest.
US Election 2024
Endorsements from celebrities and newspapers often create buzz during the US election campaign, even in their absence. But do they genuinely influence voter turnout and behavior?
Many had eagerly anticipated her endorsement, and on September 10, Taylor Swift took to Instagram to announce her support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
“I’ve done my research, and this is my decision,” she implied, adding, “How you choose is entirely up to you.”
Her post included a pointed reference to Donald Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, stating, “Taylor Swift, childless cat lady.” Vance had previously labeled democratic female politicians, including Harris, as “childless cat ladies” in a 2021 interview, suggesting they were dissatisfied with their lives.
Vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz expressed immense gratitude for the detailed endorsement, thanking Swift for her eloquent and clear expression of support.
Swift is currently one of the most successful pop stars worldwide, boasting a massive following.
A Host of Superstars
Before Swift, numerous musicians and actors had already urged voters to support Kamala Harris—many more have since joined her ranks, including stars like Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and country music icon Willie Nelson, along with prominent actors such as Jeff Bridges, Jamie Lee Curtis, Samuel L. Jackson, Sally Field, and directors like Spike Lee.
Springsteen declared Trump to be “the most dangerous candidate” he had ever encountered, while Bridges expressed enthusiasm for having a woman as president, calling it “so exciting.”
Actress and two-time Oscar winner Sally Field shared her own story of an unwanted pregnancy and illegal abortion on Instagram, emphasizing the need for respect for women’s decisions regarding their health. She stated that one major reason to vote for Kamala Harris is that women must be allowed to make their own choices, adding, “We cannot let the clock be turned back.”
During the US election campaign, the former First Lady addressed men frustrated with Donald Trump.
Trump Has Supporters in Hollywood Too
While endorsements tend to come from artists aligned with the Democrats, this is not always the case.
Roseanne Barr, known for her sitcom ‘Roseanne,’ openly supports Donald Trump, portraying him as a feminist, claiming he is “the first president of the USA.” Barr appears to be attempting to attract women to Trump’s side.
Actor Dennis Quaid, who recently portrayed Ronald Reagan, has been giving Trump his support: At a Trump rally, he emphatically called for people to choose a side, stating: “Do we want to be a nation that upholds the Constitution or TikTok? Do we want order and law or open borders?” He believes Trump is the greatest president of the 21st century.
Former wrestler and actor Hulk Hogan is also backing Trump. At a New York rally, he disparaged Trump’s political opponents, declaring to the audience, “Here we have no stinking Nazis or domestic terrorists—I see only hardworking men and women, real Americans.”
Celebrity Alignment with the Product
Many artists have vast fan bases, with Taylor Swift holding nearly 300 million Instagram followers. Her post endorsing Kamala Harris gathered over eleven million likes.
But do these endorsements actually work? Yes, claims Ashley Spillane from MSNBC. The co-author of a Harvard study on the topic asserts that having a celebrity endorsement is a “powerful tool.” Following these appeals, many people not only register as voters but also follow through and actually vote.
According to economist Mark Harvey from the University of St. Mary at PBS, it’s similar to business: “The celebrity must fit the product they are endorsing. It works best when it concerns issues where potential voters have no firm opinions.”
Swift is unlikely to persuade a gun enthusiast to give up their weapons.
The American pop star’s announcement to support Harris has generated varied reactions.
Fan Culture Matters
Yet, Spillane asserts that endorsements do have an effect, particularly among young people who tend to find celebrities more trustworthy than elected officials.
Harvey believes that it is not so much age but fan culture that is key. To be influential, one must not only know a lot about the celebrity but also genuinely care about them.
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