Taylor Swift's endorsement: Could it sway the 2024 election?
Americanist Dr. Tomasz Płudowski claims that Taylor will increase voter turnout. The singer has officially endorsed the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. Will this decide the outcome of the election?
The atmosphere before the presidential election in the United States is heated, especially after Tuesday's debate. According to the first poll published by CNN, 63% of voters who watched it believed that the current Vice President Kamala Harris won, while 37% pointed to former President Donald Trump. Respondents of the Fox News Digital survey also awarded victory to the Democratic candidate.
Artists have spoken out. American singer Taylor Swift has endorsed Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. "I will cast my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. I am voting for Harris because she fights for the rights and issues that I believe need a warrior to defend them," she wrote on social media just after the Democratic candidate's television debate with Donald Trump.
Will Taylor Swift decide the debate outcome?
It is no secret that public figures, particularly celebrities, have a significant impact on their fans. Will the "Taylor effect" also work during the presidential election?
"Debate, debate, and... the debate is over because Taylor Swift has just officially endorsed Kamala Harris. There will be plenty of laughs on Trump's side about this, but let me remind you that there was a study in which 18% of Americans declared they would vote as Taylor tells them to. In the era of pop politics we live in, such support can change things a bit, and I wouldn't dismiss it so easily," wrote Artur Dziambor, a former member of the Polish Sejm, on Facebook.
- There are studies that showed that Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama translated into about a million votes - says Dr. Tomasz Płudowski, an Americanist and political marketing specialist, in an interview with WP Woman.
Is Taylor Swift just as influential? The artist has millions of fans worldwide, and her concerts sell out in just a few minutes.
- Taylor Swift has many fans among Generation Z. Her endorsement of Kamala Harris may increase political interest and awareness among these young people who see Swift as an idol - comments the expert.
Taylor Swift has previously been politically active, including supporting movements for racial equality and civil rights and expressing her opinions on Donald Trump. Therefore, her election declaration is not a big surprise.
- Although the influence of celebrities is enormous, it shouldn't be overestimated. Taylor's fans are mostly young people, largely women, who often share similar values to their idol. Therefore, one can assume that the majority would have voted for the Democrats anyway (especially since this year they are represented by a woman), rather than the Republicans - says Dr. Tomasz Płudowski.
"It can make a difference"
He emphasizes, however, that Taylor Swift's support for Kamala Harris can mobilize young voters. "I don’t assume that a young conservative will decide to vote for Harris after Taylor’s declaration, but I expect that people who already share these values will be more inclined to vote at the polls. Thanks to Taylor, voter turnout will increase," the expert assesses.
The Americanist notes that Swift's endorsement does not guarantee a sure win for the Democratic representative, as some suggest, but it may affect the final result. "It can make a difference, especially since the candidates are currently neck and neck."
