As the 2024 presidential election approaches, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have been garnering support from various celebrities, making news with their high-profile endorsements. However, the extent to which these endorsements influence voters is a subject of contention.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been endorsed by numerous influential individuals in the entertainment industry. Among her ardent supporters is actress Jennifer Lawrence, who has expressed her support for Harris due to her commitment to protect reproductive rights. Lawrence has emphasized Harris’s dedication to defending fundamental rights as her primary reason for endorsement.
Pop star Chappell Roan has also publicly supported Harris. Initially unsure about endorsing a candidate, Roan ultimately clarified her position. She joins a growing roster of musicians and entertainers, such as Grammy-winning siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas, who produced a campaign video for Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Other celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, George Clooney, and Barbra Streisand have also openly endorsed the Harris-Walz team.
Bill Nye, a scientist renowned for making science accessible to the masses, has also expressed his support for Harris. Nye is slated to headline a fundraising event titled “Geeks & Nerds for Harris,” a tribute to his standing among science enthusiasts. In a recent video promoting the event, Nye indicated that Harris acknowledges the pivotal role science plays in addressing modern-day challenges.
On the other side, Donald Trump has gained more limited celebrity support, but he still enjoys the backing of a few notable figures. Endorsements from former wrestler Hulk Hogan, musician Kid Rock, and UFC President Dana White underscore Trump’s appeal to certain segments of the electorate, particularly those interested in wrestling, mixed martial arts, and country music.
Rapper Amber Rose and country music stars Chris Janson and Jason Aldean have also publicly supported Trump. The former president’s approach appears to focus on engaging specific demographic groups through these endorsements, rather than attempting to match Harris in the quantity of celebrity support. Trump has recognized past supporters like Lil Wayne, although some former supporters including Scott Baio, haven’t yet announced their endorsement for this election cycle.
Trump continues to utilize celebrity endorsements to connect with his voters. During a rally, he expressed gratitude for the endorsement from Puerto Rican reggaeton star Nicky Jam, despite initially mistaking Nicky to be female.
The practice of courting celebrity endorsements in presidential campaigns is a long-standing one. Historically, Democrats have secured more celebrity support than their Republican counterparts. However, this has occasionally made them targets of criticism from conservatives who argue that Democratic candidates are more concerned with Hollywood elites than with the average voter.
The actual impact of celebrity endorsements on election results is a topic of debate, though they can stimulate a candidate’s base and draw media coverage. A study by Harvard found that while some voters assert they are not swayed by celebrity endorsements, the participation of public figures can contribute to a culture of engagement, particularly in closely contested races.
A recent poll suggested that the effectiveness of these endorsements is not guaranteed. For example, despite Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris driving hundreds of thousands of people to a federal voter registration website, it may not have significantly influenced voter sentiment. According to the poll, over 80% of respondents said Swift’s endorsement did not change their likelihood of voting for Harris, while only 6% stated they were more likely to vote for Harris due to Swift’s endorsement.
As the 2024 presidential campaign unfolds, both Harris and Trump will likely continue to leverage their celebrity endorsements to boost enthusiasm and promote voter turnout. Nevertheless, the ultimate effect of these endorsements on the final election result is yet to be determined.
