Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign was marked by celebrity enthusiasm, with endorsements from the likes of Charli XCX, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé. However, despite the buzz, critics questioned whether the celebrity support actually made a difference in the election results.
A survey of Ohio registered voters found that Taylor Swift’s endorsement had a net negative impact, with more people feeling less enthusiastic about Harris as a candidate rather than more. Political scientist David J. Jackson explained that celebrity endorsements tend to motivate partisan supporters but do little to persuade others.
Justine Bateman, an actor and director, shared her insights on the role of celebrity endorsements in politics. She compared celebrity endorsements to raising awareness for a charity, noting that they can bring attention to a candidate or cause. However, she also emphasized the importance of not telling people what to think, as individuals prefer to make their own decisions.
Bateman also referenced René Girard’s theory of mimetic desire, which suggests that people look to others to determine their desires and preferences. While celebrity endorsements may be effective for products, they may not carry the same weight when it comes to endorsing ideas or political candidates.
Overall, the impact of celebrity endorsements on political campaigns remains a topic of debate, with the effectiveness being questioned by both researchers and observers of the fame-industrial complex.
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