The influence of celebrities in US presidential elections has been a topic of debate for decades, and Taylor Swift, with her immense popularity and cultural impact, is at the forefront of this discussion as we approach the 2024 election.
Swift’s potential endorsement could significantly sway public opinion and voter turnout, particularly among younger demographics, but the extent of that influence remains complex and multifaceted.
Driving the news
Former US President Donald Trump has been openly seeking Taylor Swift’s support for quite some time.Recently, Trump posted AI-generated images on Truth Social, showing Taylor Swift in support of his campaign. The images were accompanied by Trump’s caption, “I accept!”—suggesting a false endorsement by the pop star.Meanwhile, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand, both Democrats, participated in a Zoom call alongside singer-songwriter Carole King and around 15,000 others to launch the “Swifties for Kamala” campaign. During the event, each speaker shared their favourite Taylor Swift song, with Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts naming “Snow on the Beach” as his choice, a Bloomberg report said.The call on Zoom raked in more than $113,000, organizers said.During national conventions held by both the Democratic and Republican parties, celebrity appearances generated significant excitement and attention.The Republican convention featured an unforgettable moment courtesy of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. During his address to the attendees, Hogan suddenly tore his shirt open, revealing a T-shirt underneath that prominently displayed support for Trump and Vance, eliciting a strong reaction from the crowd.During the Democratic gathering, Lil Jon, a well-known rapper, took to the stage and delivered a unique rendition of his popular track “Get Low,” which included references to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, much to the delight of the audience.These celebrity appearances, while brief, managed to capture the spotlight and create a buzz that resonated throughout the respective conventions, adding an element of entertainment and star power to the political proceedings.
Why it matters
Historically, celebrity endorsements have played a pivotal role in American politics. From Frank Sinatra supporting John F Kenneddy and Ronald Reagan to Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Barack Obama, celebrities have the power to shape public perception and mobilize voters.According to an Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Harvard Kennedy School report, “celebrities have used their fame to draw attention to issues and causes throughout history, well before the internet and social media increased the number of those doing so. Famously, after the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr, some of the era’s biggest celebrities—like Jackie Robinson, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Harry Belafonte, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone—helped galvanize supporters and raise money for the civil rights movement.35 In the 1990s, MTV empowered artists like Madonna, LL Cool J, and Lenny Kravitz to mobilize young viewers to the ballot box in an effort to push back on congressional censorship efforts.”This trend has only intensified with the rise of social media, which allows celebrities like Swift to engage directly with millions of followers, thereby amplifying their influence.A study from Northwestern University estimated that Winfrey’s backing contributed to approximately one million additional votes for Obama in the 2008 election.
The “Swiftie Vote”
One of the most compelling arguments for Swift’s potential influence lies in her connection to younger voters. With a substantial following on social media platforms.Swift resonates deeply with Gen Z and millennial audiences, demographics that are increasingly pivotal in elections.If Swift were to actively endorse a candidate or encourage her fans to vote, the impact could be substantial. As per the Ash Center report, in 2018, Taylor Swift utilized her massive social media presence to encourage civic engagement among her followers. With a single post on her Instagram Story, the singer urged her 112 million followers at the time to register to vote using the website “www.vote.org”. The impact of her message was significant, as the organization reported a surge of 65,000 new registrants within the first 24 hours following Swift’s post.The effect of Swift’s call to action continued to grow, with “www.vote.org” adding a total of 250,000 new registrants within 72 hours of her initial post. Recognizing the power of her influence, Swift has continued to use her platform to promote voter registration.Swift has been around for some years but her celebrity status peaked in 2023. Swift’s Eras tour, which concluded recently, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first tour to surpass one billion dollars in revenue. This accomplishment solidifies her status as one of the most successful and influential artists of our time.In recognition of her immense impact, Time magazine bestowed upon Swift the prestigious title of “Person of the Year” for 2023. This honor acknowledges not only her musical achievements but also her cultural significance and the way she has captivated audiences around the world.Furthermore, Swift’s personal life has also garnered significant attention. Her relationship with Travis Kelce, a star player for the Kansas City Chiefs, has had a profound effect on the world of sports. The couple’s high-profile romance has led to a substantial increase in football viewership, as fans eagerly tune in to catch a glimpse of the power couple.
Zoom in
Swift’s ability to sway voters is underscored by a recent polling data.A survey conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek indicates that 34% of all voters approve of celebrities endorsing presidential candidates, while 23% disapprove, and 34% remain neutral. Likely Democratic voters show greater approval for celebrity endorsements compared to their Republican counterparts.The survey revealed that the US is more polarized when it comes to a Taylor Swift endorsement compared to celebrity endorsements in general. The survey found that “29% of voters would approve if Taylor Swift declared her support for a candidate in the US presidential election whereas 25% would disapprove.”Interestingly, among those who plan to cast their vote for Trump in the November election, “22% of those who intend to vote for Trump in November would approve of a Presidential endorsement from Taylor Swift, whereas 35% would disapprove.”This suggests that even within Trump’s supporter base, opinions are divided on the influence of a Taylor Swift endorsement.Taylor Swift’s endorsement carries more weight among younger generations, particularly Gen Zers. A significant 37% of this demographic would approve of her backing a presidential candidate, while only 19% would disapprove.On the other hand, Baby Boomers are less enthusiastic about a potential Swift endorsement. A plurality of 24% would disapprove, and only 21% would approve.Overall, 20% of voters would be more inclined to support a candidate if they received Taylor Swift’s endorsement, a slight increase of 2% since a similar poll conducted in May on behalf of Newsweek.Conversely, 25% of voters would be less likely to vote for a candidate endorsed by Swift, marking a substantial 10% increase since the May survey.
What’s next
Swift is yet to endorse either Trump or Harris.While Swift possesses the potential to influence the 2024 presidential election significantly, her impact will depend on various factors.In swing states, where elections can be decided by narrow margins, Swift’s endorsement could mobilize younger voters who might otherwise abstain from voting.While Swift’s celebrity status can undoubtedly mobilize younger voters and drive engagement, but it’s not a guarantee for a win.It would be interesting to see whether Swift would be endorsing Harris or not. In 2020, she had endorsed Joe Biden against Trump.If and when it comes, a Swift endorsement could be a force multiplier for the Harris campaign.
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Publish date : 2024-09-04 21:55:00
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