Ex-NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has sparked a debate by questioning the legitimacy of pop icon Taylor Swift’s recent public endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election.
Patrick, who is known for her vocally conservative views, expressed her doubts about the timeliness and genuineness of Swift’s political stance on social media.
Swift, who is currently making an estimated $13.6 million for each performance on her Eras Tour, voiced her support for Harris shortly after the presidential debate on September 10, 2024. This public statement quickly became a contentious subject, eliciting responses from various celebrities and political commentators.
Patrick, the most successful female driver in the history of American open-wheel racing, posted her skepticism about the impromptu nature of Swift’s endorsement on Instagram. “I love her music TBH (to be honest). But there’s no way that long post was ready right after the debate. I have been on the other side, that was probably written and revised by a team over the last week. Aka. A plan,” she stated.
The comments made by the retired race car driver have ignited a discussion about the nature of celebrity endorsements in the realm of contemporary politics. Patrick’s critique extends beyond Swift’s political ideology, suggesting that such endorsements are often meticulously planned, rather than being impulsive responses to political occurrences.
Since her retirement from professional racing in 2018, Patrick has used her influence to promote a healthy lifestyle and fitness. Despite her own battle with high cholesterol, she regularly shares her workout regimens and dietary habits with her followers, becoming a known advocate for clean eating.
Patrick’s critique of Swift’s endorsement has found resonance among some conservative audiences online. One social media user shared a video reposted by Patrick, which read, “Dear Swifties voting for Kamala just because Taylor endorsed her. May I remind you that 90% of her hit songs are about choosing the wrong person.”
Patrick’s venture into political commentary isn’t new. She has been a consistent supporter of conservative causes and has been known to post content critical of Democratic policies and figures.
Patrick’s racing career was riddled with several pioneering feats. She was the first woman to clinch a victory in an IndyCar race and secured a third-place finish at the Indianapolis 500, the best performance by a female driver to date. After retiring, she pivoted to media work, serving as an analyst for Sky Sports F1 and NBC’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500.
In addition to her media ventures, Patrick has also established a successful entrepreneurial career. She launched a sportswear brand, Warrior by Danica Patrick, and a wine label named Somnium, Latin for ‘dream.’
While Swift’s team has yet to directly respond to Patrick’s comments, the debate has revived discussions about the influence of celebrity endorsements on public opinion and their potential impact on voter behavior.