Taylor Swift backs Kamala Harris: Will it resonate with voters?

If you find yourself among the crowd of Kansas City Chiefs fans outside Arrowhead Stadium on game day, the excitement is palpable. Barbecue smoke fills the air, upbeat music blasts from tailgates, and passionate discussions about football strategy unfold. Yet, amidst the sea of red, white, and gold team gear, flags and signs bearing the name of Taylor Swift also flutter, reflecting the cultural crossover between sports and pop music.

Swift’s influence has reached a new pinnacle as the upcoming 2024 presidential election draws nearer. Her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as one of the most sought-after endorsements this election cycle. This intertwining of celebrity culture, political discourse, and sports fandom has sparked conversations across the nation, with many anticipating Swift’s formal stance for months.

Shortly after a recent debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump, Swift took to Instagram, sharing her support for the vice president with her 284 million followers. She praised Harris as “a steady-handed, gifted leader,” generating significant buzz. Swift avoided mentioning Trump directly, except to address false claims of her supporting him, which Trump himself had shared on social media. In her statement, she humorously labeled herself a “childless cat lady,” responding to remarks made by Senator JD Vance regarding individuals without children.

Swift’s presence at football games has long stirred debate. While some fans enjoy her visibility, others believe she distracts from the game itself. Her endorsement did not lessen the controversy surrounding her attendance at a recent Chiefs game against the Cincinnati Bengals, a contest the Chiefs narrowly won.

Among the fans tailgating outside the stadium was Sheena Bryant, a 38-year-old real estate agent from Branson, Missouri. While she identifies as a Republican and appreciates Swift’s music, she was less than thrilled with the endorsement. “Everyone has the right to choose their political princess,” she remarked but expressed hope for Republican victories in key issues like abortion and border control.

Fans also discussed Swift’s friendship with Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Although Brittany has not made an official endorsement for the upcoming election, she garnered attention for liking a MAGA post months ago. Many Chiefs supporters believe that differing political views among friends can coexist, with Jason Schuler, a local developer, stressing the importance of respecting others’ opinions in a divided political climate.

Trump and Vance both attempted to downplay Swift’s endorsement. Vance stated on Fox News that Swift’s wealth makes her “fundamentally disconnected” from average Americans. In a post on Truth Social to his millions of followers, Trump declared, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” Alongside these comments, Trump insinuated in an interview that Swift could face backlash from music consumers due to her political statement.

However, a look around Arrowhead Stadium reveals that support for Swift remains robust. Friendship bracelets, a trend she popularized during her Eras Tour, have become common sights among fans. Lauren Burwell, a 33-year-old youth behavioral health director, sported bracelets that celebrated both the Chiefs and Swift’s music and expressed her gratitude for Swift’s message encouraging people to vote. “Thank you, Taylor,” she shared, reflecting the sentiments of many fans.

Others echoed Burwell’s excitement, as Ryann Williams and Hilary Embry, both avid Swift supporters, expressed concern about the potential for violence stemming from Trump’s comments. “I hope it doesn’t incite any sort of activity against her,” said Williams, highlighting the power and influence that both Swift and Trump wield over their respective followings.

Swift is not new to the political arena. She previously endorsed Biden and Harris in the 2020 election, citing regrets for not engaging in the 2016 election. During her documentary “Miss Americana,” Swift openly criticized certain political figures, reinforcing her willingness to speak out on issues she cares about.

Recent conspiracy theories have suggested that Swift’s involvement is part of a larger plot to influence elections. Many construed her relationship with Travis Kelce as a strategic move to generate positive publicity for both the NFL and the Chiefs, showcasing the blurring lines between personal life and public perception.

With the 2024 election on the horizon, the impact of Swift’s endorsement is still uncertain. Polls indicate that while her endorsement might not sway traditional partisans, it could engage younger, less politically active voters. Kathryn Cramer Brownell, a history professor, pointed out that Swift’s progressive stances on various social issues align with Harris’s campaign, which could attract followers who may feel inspired to vote.

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, students expressed varying opinions regarding Swift’s influence. While some appreciate her efforts to encourage voter registration, others stressed their focus on broader issues like abortion rights and inflation rather than celebrity endorsements.

Back at Arrowhead Stadium, many fans voiced that, while Swift’s political involvement may not directly sway their votes, they welcomed her message to actively engage in the electoral process. As Swift cheered on the Chiefs from her box seat, she remained a symbol of unity among her fans, transcending the typical boundaries of sports and politics.

Source: USA Today