As the 2024 campaign enters its final week, Kamala Harris is leaning on star power from celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé to invigorate audiences and encourage voter turnout. Democratic candidates have historically enjoyed a celebrity advantage, which has grown during Trump’s rise to prominence. Recent events for Harris have featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, and a speech from Barack Obama, among others.
The focus on celebrity endorsements is not solely about performances at events. When comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made controversial remarks at a Trump rally, prominent Puerto Rican celebrities like Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin publicly supported Harris. This dynamic is a stark contrast to Trump’s support from celebrities like Lee Greenwood and Dr. Phil, often appealing to his core base of voters.
Harris’ campaign has a concert series called “When We Vote We Win,” aiming to rally supporters in key battlegrounds. Future events will feature artists like The National, Los Tigres del Norte, and Maná. Trump’s campaign, in comparison, relies heavily on the celebrity status of the president himself.
While celebrity endorsements can energize crowds and generate excitement, they can also overshadow critical issues or the candidate’s message. This was evident in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, which featured star-studded events but ultimately fell short at the polls. The impact of celebrity support, while influential, does not guarantee electoral success.
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