Would a Taylor Swift Endorsement Actually Impact the Presidential Race?

by

As a dedicated follower of politics, I find myself closely watching the unfolding events leading up to the November election. The race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump seems to be heating up, with each side vying for endorsements from high-profile figures. Among these sought-after personalities, Taylor Swift stands out as a beacon of influence, especially among young female voters.

A noticeable rivalry seems to exist between backers of Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-President Donald Trump as they approach November’s close presidential election. Both sides have attracted notable personalities at their national conventions, but there appears to be one figure whose endorsement both candidates appear eager to secure: Taylor Swift.

Trump recently posted fake AI-generated images on social media claiming that Taylor Swift and her followers back him, with the ex-president exclaiming, “I accept!” However, Swift, who has previously spoken out against Trump for inciting white supremacy and racism, hasn’t endorsed either candidate yet. With her Eras Tour breaking records as one of the most well-known and popular entertainment events globally, it’s evident that any endorsement from Taylor Swift would carry significant weight.

“Given the pivotal role of women’s votes in determining the election outcome, Taylor Swift’s endorsement could prove instrumental in shaping the opinions of young female voters. This endorsement may also strengthen the perception that Harris is not merely representing a specific demographic, but rather leading a national movement, much like [Barack] Obama did before her. Mark Wheeler, professor of political communications at London Metropolitan University and author of ‘Celebrity Politics’, suggests that Swift’s immense popularity could significantly boost any candidate’s campaign and alter the narrative of the election.”

Measuring exactly how much a celebrity’s endorsement affects an election outcome can be tricky due to various factors that might influence a voter’s decision. However, in tight races like the one we’re discussing, experts suggest that swaying a modest number of undecided voters in crucial swing states could potentially tip the balance. For instance, Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Obama in 2007 was considered a significant boost to his campaign.

Mark Harvey, an associate professor at the University of St. Mary and author of “Celebrity Influence,” suggests that Swift has a significant impact on those who are undecided or uncertain about their choice. He believes that while it might seem insignificant due to its marginal nature, it could be crucial in states where the difference between candidates is minimal.

Initially, it appeared that Taylor Swift’s political endorsement would remain elusive. She declined to endorse Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign against Trump in 2016, and she faced criticism when she did not participate in the Women’s March in January 2017. Instead, she expressed her support for the movement on Twitter following the event. Many people were curious about whom Taylor Swift would vote for ahead of the 2016 election.

In October 2018, the singer publicly backed two Democratic contenders vying for Congress seats in her native Tennessee. This endorsement sparked a significant increase in voter registration. In October 2020, she expressed her backing for then-presidential nominee Joe Biden and made it known that she admired Kamala Harris, his running mate. There was much buzz on social media about the possibility of Swift and Beyoncé making surprise appearances at this week’s Democratic National Convention; however, neither attended the event.

David J. Jackson, a political science professor at Bowling Green State University and author of “Entertainment & Politics,” considers Swift’s endorsement influence as substantial, primarily because of her likability, the intense devotion of her fan base, and her ability to speak convincingly to her supporters. Moreover, he notes that celebrities who are selective about the causes they advocate for tend to have a more significant impact.

As a notable figure often associated with politics, I’ve noticed that each new endorsement might lose some impact because people begin to think, ‘This is just another instance of this celebrity peddling for the Democrats or Republicans.’ To maintain credibility and maximize the influence of my political statements, it’s crucial to be discerning, tactical, and thoughtful in expressing my views as a public figure.

In a poll conducted by USA Today/Suffolk University in May, former President Barack Obama was found to be the most influential public figure among voters (with 34.6% stating he would impact their decision), closely followed by his wife Michelle Obama. For well-known entertainers, Oprah Winfrey, who spoke at the DNC on Wednesday, was indicated as a potential vote influencer by 15.4% of respondents, with Charles Barkley following at 10.6%, Taylor Swift at 9.2%, and Beyoncé, who performed at Obama’s 2013 inauguration and whose song “Freedom” is associated with Kamala Harris, being selected by 7% of participants as having an impact on their vote.

As a gamer, I can relate this scenario to building up a character in a game. For us gamers, organic or subtle support from celebrities adds an extra layer of authenticity and excitement. Just like how Charli XCX’s shoutout last month – “Kamala IS brat,” referencing her album title – sparked Harris’ team to rebrand their social media platforms to match the “Brat” theme. Similarly, Swift fans have created an organization called Swifties for Kamala, which encourages networking, campaign donations, and even wearing pro-Harris friendship bracelets. These bracelets, much like a rare item in a game, have become popular at Swift’s shows. It’s like the fans are leveling up their support for Harris!

Although the precise impact of celebrity endorsements is often a subject of debate, those engaged in voter engagement highlight the enduring significance of traditional approaches.

“A small amount of influence can have significant impact, yet it’s the community organizers who are the most effective at encouraging voting,” asserts Zo Tobi from Movement Voter Project, a national organization focusing on funding progressive initiatives that empower younger voters. “The outcome of an election often relies on a handful of voters in certain key states, and what these persuadable voters respond best to is personal recommendations from trusted individuals within their own neighborhood.”

Read More

2024-08-23 20:25