Can Celebrity Endorsements Influence Election Results?

Following Taylor Swift’s endorsement of presidential candidate Kamala Harris, experts have investigated the impact of celebrities on election outcomes. ABC News conducted a poll to see if Swift’s support of Harris could influence voters’ opinions. The survey found that 81% of voters would not be swayed in their decision by Swift’s opinion. Only 6% of voters said that Swift’s endorsement made them more likely to vote for Harris, and 13% said it made them less likely to vote for the Vice President. Swift expressed her admiration for Harris after her first presidential debate against Donald Trump, calling her a “warrior”and a “gifted leader” in a lengthy Instagram caption. Trump has since responded, posting “I hate Taylor Swift” in response to her plans to vote for Harris. ABC’s political analyst, Dave Richards, said Trump did not do himself any favors with his response. “The people that you respect, the people that you think are worth following, if enough of them say. This is the candidate that we’re supporting,’ then I think some people will say ‘Maybe that is who I should support,” claimed Richards. Richards said that although most people are able to separate politics and entertainment, big-name endorsements can have an effect on the election’s outcome.