Taylor Swift’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election has sparked a mix of reactions among the American electorate. While Swift’s massive fan base might seem like an asset for any candidate, a new poll suggests her backing could be more of a hindrance than a help for the Harris campaign.
According to a YouGov poll released on Saturday, only 8% of voters reported that Swift’s endorsement made them “somewhat” or “much more likely” to support Harris in the upcoming election. In contrast, a significant 20% of voters indicated that they are “somewhat” or “much less likely” to vote for Harris’s ticket due to Swift’s involvement. This data hints at the complex dynamics of celebrity endorsements in politics, where a star’s influence doesn’t always translate into political gains.
Swift’s endorsement did, however, drive significant online engagement. Reports indicate that after the pop star shared a custom link on Instagram, a surge of 337,826 visitors accessed vote.gov through Wednesday afternoon. While the exact number of voter registrations or the political affiliation of these new voters remains unclear, the spike in traffic underscores Swift’s ability to mobilize her audience, at least online.
Despite this surge, some skeptics argue that Swift’s endorsement was hardly a surprising turn of events. Known for her liberal stances and previous support for Democratic candidates, including her endorsement of Joe Biden in 2020, Swift’s political leanings are no secret. Her recent declaration, “I’ve done my own research and I’ve made my choice,” has been criticized by some as lacking substantive evidence or new insights, considering her well-known opposition to Republican candidates.
Furthermore, the buzz around Swift’s political involvement extended to rumors of her potentially performing at the Democratic National Convention, alongside other big names like Beyoncé. Although these rumors were ultimately unfounded and appeared to be tactics to boost the event’s viewership, they highlight the broader strategy of using celebrity appeal to garner attention and support for the Harris campaign.
While Swift’s endorsement certainly keeps Harris in the headlines, it remains to be seen whether this celebrity backing will translate into votes. As the campaign progresses, Harris will need to navigate both the benefits and pitfalls of aligning with high-profile figures whose influence can be as polarizing as it is powerful.
