Taylor Swift’s political endorsement has caused a stir in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Swift, a global superstar with a vast following, publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris, urging her fans to vote for Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. However, this move has not been without its consequences, as new polling data reveals mixed reactions from the public.
According to a poll conducted by YouGov, the endorsement may have alienated more voters than it attracted. While 8% of respondents indicated they were “somewhat” or “much more likely” to vote Democrat due to Swift’s support, a larger portion, 20%, said they were now “somewhat” or “much less likely” to support Harris. Despite this, the majority of respondents, 66%, claimed that Swift’s endorsement made no difference to their voting intentions.
Swift’s Instagram post, which garnered over 10 million likes, announced her backing for Harris, describing her as “steady-handed” and a “gifted leader.” In the post, she also emphasized her belief in Harris’s ability to champion the rights and causes that are important to her.
The Trump campaign was quick to respond to Swift’s endorsement. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the campaign, criticized Swift’s support for Harris, stating, “This is further evidence that the Democrat Party, unfortunately, is the party of the wealthy elite.”
Swift’s endorsement of Harris followed the first presidential debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump, where many declared Harris the winner. Swift highlighted her concerns about misinformation, noting that false reports claimed she had endorsed Trump.
Despite the backlash, Swift’s support has also sparked a surge in voter registration. Within 24 hours of her post, over 400,000 people accessed voter registration information via the link she shared. This demonstrates Swift’s words’ significant impact, particularly among young voters, a demographic that both campaigns are working hard to win over.
Notably, Swift’s influence has also been seen in other areas. Her close friendship with Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has also garnered attention. The two were recently spotted at the U.S. Open. While Mahomes has liked some of Trump’s Instagram posts, the two women’s differing political views have not affected their relationship.
While the endorsement may not have swayed as many voters as initially hoped, Harris has expressed gratitude for Swift’s support. In a radio interview, she said, “I am very honored to have their support,” referring to the various celebrities, including Swift, who have backed her campaign.
As the 2024 election progresses, the influence of celebrity endorsements remains a topic of debate. With polls showing Harris slightly ahead of Trump, it remains to be seen how Swift’s backing will impact the overall election.