The political world is abuzz with the news of pop sensation Taylor Swift’s rumored endorsement of President Joe Biden, as reported by The New York Times.
The speculation has caused a stir among Republican commentators on X (formerly Twitter), with many expressing their views on the potential impact of such an endorsement on the 2024 presidential race.
The forthcoming presidential election hinges on the voting outcomes in five crucial swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Democrats are banking on the influence of high-profile figures like Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce to mobilize young voters, particularly in these states. An endorsement from the pair could potentially tip the scales in favor of the Democratic nominee in November, should Biden be the party’s candidate.
David Schultz, a political science professor at Hamline University, spoke to The Epoch Times about the significance of the youth vote. He highlighted that while young people typically vote in lower numbers than older demographics, they tend to lean Democratic when they do turn out. Particularly, young women with college degrees are more likely to vote for Democrats. Schultz suggested that Kelce’s influence alone might not sway many votes, but his association with Swift could have a significant impact on the election.
A 2023 Next Generation Fandom Survey provides some insight into the public’s perception of Swift. Among liberals, Swift enjoys a 22% approval rating, with only 13% holding a negative view. Among conservatives, 21% view her favorably, while 18% do not.
Samuel Ronan, a 34-year-old Republican presidential hopeful from New Hampshire, expressed a desire for celebrity endorsements to extend beyond the usual suspects. He suggested that figures like Swift and Kelce could throw their support behind less traditional candidates, such as himself, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee. Ronan argued that such endorsements could galvanize the fanbases of these celebrities and bring attention to alternative candidates.
However, David Triana, a former college campus spokesperson for Senator Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign, warned against blindly following celebrity political endorsements. He argued that such endorsements do not encourage critical thinking. Speaking to The Epoch Times, Triana noted that while people may admire Kelce’s performance on the football field, it doesn’t necessarily mean he has expertise in politics, national security, or foreign policy issues.
The NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs have not issued any comments on the matter. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the potential influence of celebrity endorsements remains a topic of considerable discussion.
