Polls show Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris has little influence on voter preferences in the upcoming election.
Breitbart reported that Swift’s high-profile endorsement of Kamala Harris has seemingly failed to sway a significant portion of the electorate, according to the latest ABC News/Ipsos and YouGov polls. Despite Swift’s immense popularity and influence, the majority of voters remain indifferent, and some are even turning away from Harris.
A new ABC News/Ipsos poll released on Sunday states that only 6% of respondents felt more inclined to vote for Harris because of Swift’s endorsement.
Moreover, 13% of these respondents stated that they were less likely to support Harris, while a substantial 81% claimed the endorsement did not affect their voting decision. These figures highlight the limited impact celebrity endorsements may have on political sway.
Many of the respondents who reacted negatively to Swift’s endorsement are staunch supporters of former President Donald Trump.
This suggests a possible backlash effect among Republican voters. In a similar vein, the YouGov poll reports that 20% of its respondents said Swift’s endorsement made them more likely to support Trump, further hinting at the polarization within the electorate.
Taylor Swift’s public declaration came via Instagram right after the presidential debate, where she urged her followers to "research and vote as they see fit." Her call to action reflects a broader appeal for informed voting rather than blind allegiance.
Last week's presidential debate, hosted by ABC News, may have also influenced voter perception about the endorsements.
The debate faced criticism for its handling of the candidates, with moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis accused of a biased approach. Critics pointed out the frequent interruptions and fact-checks aimed at Trump, contrasting with a seemingly softer handling of Harris.
Swift’s endorsement of Harris carries additional weight considering her acknowledgment of the candidate's lack of popularity among young, progressive voters.
Harris's stance on controversial issues such as the war in Gaza has particularly alienated a significant portion of the leftist electorate.
Anti-Israel progressive groups have been vocal in their dissatisfaction, staging protests against Harris and the Democratic National Committee at events last month.
These demonstrations underscore the deep rifts within the Democratic base, possibly amplifying the search for alternative candidates.
As a result, disenchanted progressive voters are increasingly considering third-party options. Jill Stein of the Green Party, known for her environmental advocacy and progressive platform, appears to be a beneficiary of this shift.
Comprehensively, these various poll figures and occurrences underline a stark truth: celebrity endorsements, like Swift's, might capture the media's attention but often do little to alter the fundamental dynamics of electoral politics.
In this case, despite Swift’s enormous following and active participation in the political discourse, the endorsement has not materialized into significant support for Harris.