With the 2024 presidential campaign entering its final week, the Democrats are utilizing their star power advantage by calling on a diverse range of celebrities to endorse Kamala Harris in an effort to energize audiences and increase voter turnout. Harris has received support from high-profile celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Stevie Wonder. Recent events have included performances by artists like Willie Nelson and Maggie Rogers, with upcoming rallies featuring Mumford & Sons, Los Tigres del Norte, and Maná.
On the other hand, Donald Trump has the backing of celebrities such as Kid Rock, Waka Flocka Flame, and Hulk Hogan, but lacks the star-studded events that have become a hallmark of Harris’ campaign. Trump, who himself has a background in entertainment, often provides the star power at his own events. A recent incident involving a comedian’s offensive comments at a Trump rally led to public support for Harris from Puerto Rican celebrities like Bad Bunny and Jennifer Lopez.
While the use of celebrities at campaign events can generate excitement and energy, it can also obscure underlying issues with a candidate and their message. The 2016 campaign of Hillary Clinton serves as a cautionary tale, where despite high-profile events featuring stars like Lady Gaga, Jon Bon Jovi, and Beyoncé, Clinton ultimately lost key battleground states to Trump. As the final days of the 2024 campaign unfold, both Harris and Trump are relying on celebrity endorsements to rally their respective bases and drive turnout at the polls.
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