Taylor Swift greets members of the audience as she accepts the award for Video of the Year for “Fortnight,” with Post Malone, during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in Elmont, New York, U.S., September 11, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid/File Photo
Taylor Swift’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris: Impact on 2024 Election
Global pop star Taylor Swift recently voiced her support for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The endorsement has sparked discussions regarding its potential influence on younger voters. With a tight race between Harris and her opponent, Republican former President Donald Trump, both candidates are intensifying efforts to mobilize voters as Election Day approaches.
Swift’s Influence on Voter Registration and Engagement
Swift’s endorsement of Harris was made via an Instagram post to her 284 million followers, where she urged fans to register to vote. The post, which received over 10 million likes, directed users to the vote.gov website, resulting in a significant spike in voter registrations—405,999 visits within 24 hours, according to U.S. government sources.
Swift’s influence is noteworthy given the sharp decline in voter registrations among 18 to 29-year-olds, a demographic that played a crucial role in Democratic victories in the 2020 election. A report by Tufts University’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) revealed a significant drop in youth voter registrations in 36 states.
The Role of Celebrity Endorsements in Politics
Celebrity endorsements have had mixed results in U.S. elections. While some studies highlight their potential impact—such as a 2008 Northwestern University report, which credited Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement with boosting Barack Obama’s vote tally by a million—other research indicates limited effects. For example, a 2010 study from North Carolina State University found endorsements from actors George Clooney and Angelina Jolie did little to influence voter behavior.
Swift’s Support: A Strategic Advantage?
Swift’s alignment with Harris has drawn attention due to her large and loyal fanbase. A 2023 Morning Consult poll found that 55% of Swift’s fans identify as Democrats, and 45% fall within the millennial age group (28-43). Despite this, experts are divided on the true extent of her influence in the political arena. Professor Margaretha Bentley from Arizona State University, whose class studies Swift’s social impact, noted that while some young voters might be swayed, others view celebrity endorsements as less significant in political decisions.
Campaigns Build on Swift’s Endorsement
In response to Swift’s support, Harris’s campaign has capitalized on the endorsement by releasing campaign merchandise, including Swift-inspired friendship bracelets. Progressive group MoveOn.org also launched Swift-themed T-shirts with the slogan “In My Voting Era,” which has become their fastest-selling item of 2024.
Groups focused on youth voter turnout, such as Voters of Tomorrow, are collaborating with the informal “Swifties for Harris” group to organize phone banks targeting college students in key battleground states. Jessica Siles, a spokesperson for Voters of Tomorrow, emphasized Swift’s ability to inspire political engagement among young voters.
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