What Do Taylor Swift and Kanye West Have in Common? Both Have Shaken Up U.S. Elections with Their Political Endorsements.
Written By Landrey Messick
Media Analytics Executive
In today's age of constant media consumption, celebrities are increasingly stepping into the political arena and influencing both voter behavior and campaign outcomes. Taylor Swift and Kanye West, two of the most well-known artists in recent history, have significantly impacted the U.S. presidential elections through their public endorsements. Despite their differing political messages, they both demonstrate the ever-evolving role of celebrity endorsements in election campaigns.
The “Taylor Swift Effect”
With Taylor Swift currently dominating pop culture, fans and people all around anticipated her endorsement for the 2024 election, knowing that her influence could significantly shape voter turnout. Shortly after the presidential debate aired, Taylor Swift posted a public declaration of support for Kamala Harris on Instagram. This endorsement prompted a large increase in voter engagement, with nearly 400,000 people visiting vote.gov. This strategic move highlights Swift’s influence and ability to invoke action among her fanbase, which mainly consists of young, first-time voters.
This is not the first time Swift has used her influence on a U.S. election. In 2018, she voiced her opinion on the midterm elections in her home state of Tennessee, backing the state’s Democratic candidates. This past endorsement helped influence 65,000 people to register to vote in just 24 hours. She also supported the Biden-Harris campaign in the 2020 election, which amplified their key messages and helped mobilize young voters. Swift exemplifies how celebrities can transform pop culture fans into participation and awareness in the 2024 elections, a trend likely to shape future elections by consistently tying her political advocacy to social media campaigns.
Kanye West Endorsements and Campaigns.
While Swift’s endorsement of Harris represented celebrities' political advocacy, Kanye West’s 2020 presidential campaign illustrated the risks that celebrity involvement can play in politics. The public criticized West’s campaign, labeling it poorly organized, leading to mass confusion among voters. Although he garnered attention, many questioned his motives, seeing his run as a publicity stunt or a spoiler tactic that could draw votes away from other candidates, notably Joe Biden. West also endorsed Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and again in 2024. His vocal alignment with Trump could further polarize the election by solidifying Trump’s conservative base or turning away undecided voters, particularly those skeptical of West’s erratic political statements.
In the 2024 election, Taylor Swift and Kanye West highlight the growing influence of celebrity endorsements in politics. Swift’s strategic support of Kamala Harris has spurred voter engagement, especially among young voters. She continued a trend in previous elections by tying political advocacy to her social media presence. In contrast, Kanye West’s endorsement of Donald Trump reflects the more unpredictable side of celebrity involvement, generating media buzz and raising questions about its impact on undecided voters. Together, their actions underscore how celebrity influence can inspire participation or disrupt campaign narratives, profoundly shaping elections for years to come.
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