After a lively debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, Taylor Swift posted to her Instagram account saying that “[she] will be casting her [vote] for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election.” Swift’s endorsement had been anticipated by many, especially after she supported Joe Biden in 2020, and even allowed them to use her song “Only the Young” in a campaign advertisement. In her recent post she mentioned her views on Harris and how she is a “steady-handed, gifted leader,” while also commending Tim Walz for standing up for LGBTQIA+ rights, IVF and a woman’s right to her own body. In the same caption, she urged her 284 million followers to do their research on the candidates’ values and goals. She signed the posit as “childless cat lady”, alluding to JD Vance’s comment on women without children. The post was a response to an AI-generated picture of Swift endorsing former President Trump. She described how it “conjured [her] fears around AI and the dangers around spreading misinformation.” two days after the debate the singer encouraged people to “vote for something else very important,” at the Video Music Awards, referencing the November election.
Swift has been a prominent voice in politics since 2018 when she opposed Marsha Blackburn on social media, saying that she does not support Blackburn because of her voting history. A segment from Swift’s Netflix documentary “Miss Americana”, shows the singer in tears when discussing what Blackburn represents during an argument with her father. Despite the comment, the candidate went on to win the election. Today, she holds a seat as a senator of the United States.
It’s not quite clear how much celebrity endorsements could impact elections, however, the writer of a study published by Harvard University’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance spoke with CNN, saying that it helps “create a culture around participation, making it fun and making it something you should care about doing,” yet despite the featured vote.gov link in Swift’s caption that was clicked on by 405,999 people in the 24 hours after the post, a report published by ABCNews/Ipsos showed that only 6 percent of voters said that the endorsement inspired them to vote for Harris and 13 percent said that it made them less likely. Notably, those who responded negatively were shown as Trump supporters according to the polls. The other 81 percent said that it made no difference. Nevertheless, Trump posted on his social media platform that “[he] hates Taylor Swift.” Many researchers are still waiting to see if Swift’s comments are going to make an impact on election day, similarly to how Ophrah Winfrey’s endorsement helped former president Obama gain 1 million votes according to Northwestern University.
Swift is not the first celebrity to share their political opinions, and won’t be the last. Singer/Songwriter Billie Eilish as well as her brother Finneas O’Connell voiced their views through Instagram on National Voter Registration Day. O’Connell stated that “the only way to stop [Republicans] and the dangerous project 2025 is to vote and elect Kamala Harris,” referencing the republican plan that has been a major topic in debates. Many other public figures showed their support for the Democrats by performing at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, such as Megan Thee Stallion and John Legend. Others like Elon Musk, Kid Rock and Dana White have advocated for Donald Trump. Despite different celebrities sharing their unique political perspectives, they all have the same goal: to encourage their fans to vote.
Written by Suriya Rampersad
