Taylor Swift‘s endorsement of Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election may not be having the desired effect on the vice president’s campaign, according to recent polling data.
Swift‘s public declaration of support, made after the first debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump, has sparked mixed reactions among voters, potentially complicating the political landscape.
Swift took to Instagram earlier this month to endorse Harris, praising her for her steady leadership and commitment to important causes.
She said, “I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”
However, despite Swift‘s glowing endorsement, polls suggest that her involvement might not be swaying voters as expected.
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted from September 19 to 22 revealed that 76 percent of likely voters said Taylor Swift‘s endorsement made no difference in their enthusiasm for Harris‘s candidacy.
While 9 percent said they felt more enthusiastic, 13 percent reported feeling less enthusiastic because of Swift’s involvement.
Unintended Consequences of Celebrity Endorsements
This lukewarm response mirrors findings from an earlier Newsweek and Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll in July.
The survey found that 26 percent of Gen Z voters were less likely to support a candidate endorsed by Swift, indicating that the singer’s backing may not resonate with all demographics.
Experts are split on whether Swift‘s endorsement will have a significant impact. Dafydd Townley, a professor of American politics at the University of Portsmouth, suggested that Swift’s support is unlikely to move the needle much, particularly among her existing fan base, many of whom may have already been inclined to vote for Harris.
On the contrary, political scientist Thomas Gift of University College London argued that Swift‘s massive cultural influence could have some sway, particularly among younger voters.
Despite these differing views, it is clear that celebrity endorsements don’t always guarantee political gains.
As the 2024 election season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Taylor Swift‘s support will ultimately help or hinder Kamala Harris‘s campaign.
