Opinion | Finding the Line Between Celebrity and Politician With Tressie McMillan Cottom

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The sociologist and New York Times columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom joins the hosts of “Matter of Opinion” this week to discuss the role of celebrity in politics. Could Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, with their tens of millions of fans, sway the presidential election? And beyond brand-name pop stars, what role does celebrity play within the political system?

Plus, Tressie goes a little “Dr. Oz” on us.

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)

Thoughts? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com.

Follow our hosts on X: Michelle Cottle (@mcottle) and Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT).

“Matter of Opinion” is produced by Sophia Alvarez Boyd, Phoebe Lett and Derek Arthur. It is edited by Jordana Hochman. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Isaac Jones, Efim Shapiro, Carole Sabouraud and Pat McCusker. Our fact-checking team is Kate Sinclair, Mary Marge Locker and Michelle Harris. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. Our executive producer is Annie-Rose Strasser.

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