As the 2024 United States presidential election continues, high-profile endorsements for the candidates are flowing in. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have received backing from a range of celebrities, though the weight of such endorsements on voters is still a point of contention.
Harris has been vocal about her support from various celebrities, including influential figures from the entertainment industry. Actress Jennifer Lawrence, a passionate advocate for reproductive rights, has publicly endorsed Harris and commended her efforts to protect these fundamental rights. The endorsement was underscored by Lawrence’s emphasis on Harris’ dedication to such causes.
Pop singer Chappell Roan is another notable figure endorsing Harris, after initially being reluctant to support any candidate. Roan’s endorsement adds to a growing number of musicians and entertainers who’ve voiced their support for the Harris-Walz ticket, including Grammy award-winning siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas – who produced a campaign video for Harris and Minnesota’s Governor, Tim Walz. Other high-profile endorsers include Olivia Rodrigo, George Clooney, Mark Hamill, Pink, Linda Ronstadt, Ben Stiller, Carol King, Mel Brooks, Sally Field, Levar Burton, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Barbra Streisand.
Famed scientist Bill Nye, recognized for his efforts to make science accessible to all, has also thrown his support behind Harris. He is anticipated to lead a fundraiser titled “Geeks & Nerds for Harris,” reflecting his popularity among the science community. In a promotional video for the event, Nye pointed out Harris’ acknowledgment of the importance of science in addressing contemporary issues.
While Harris has garnered substantial support from Hollywood, Trump’s celebrity endorsements have been comparatively limited, though not insignificant. High-profile figures including former wrestler Hulk Hogan, musician Kid Rock, and UFC President Dana White have all endorsed him. These endorsements illustrate Trump’s appeal to particular demographic groups, such as fans of wrestling, mixed martial arts, and country music. Trump’s strategy appears to focus on these specific demographics, rather than attempting to match Harris’ volume of celebrity endorsers.
Rapper Amber Rose and country musicians Chris Janson and Jason Aldean, as well as actors Randy and Dennis Quaid, Kelsey Grammer, and Roseann Barr, have also publicly expressed their support for Trump. While Trump has acknowledged past endorsements from celebrities such as Lil Wayne, some of his previous supporters, including Scott Baio, have not yet announced their position for the upcoming election.
Despite this, Trump continues to leverage celebrity endorsements to connect with his supporters. At a recent rally, he expressed gratitude for the endorsement of Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Nicky Jam, although a humorous misunderstanding initially led him to believe Nicky was female.
The practice of securing celebrity endorsements is a long-standing tradition in presidential campaigns. Typically, Democrats have attracted more celebrity support than Republicans. This practice has attracted criticism from conservative pundits who suggest that Democratic candidates may prioritize the endorsement of Hollywood elites over the concerns of the average voter.
The actual impact of celebrity endorsements on election outcomes is a contentious topic. While they can generate enthusiasm and media attention for a candidate, their influence on voters is uncertain. According to a Harvard study, despite many voters claiming indifference to celebrity endorsements, these high-profile supporters can foster a culture of political participation, particularly in closely contested races.
However, the influence of celebrity endorsements is not always assured. For instance, despite the surge of traffic to a federal voter registration site following Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris, a recent poll indicated that over 80% of respondents were not swayed by Swift’s support. Only 6% reported being more inclined to vote for Harris as a result of Swift’s endorsement.
As the race toward the 2024 presidential election continues, it remains to be seen how much sway these celebrity endorsements will have on the ultimate outcome. Both Harris and Trump will likely continue to rely on celebrity support to generate excitement and encourage voter participation.
