Recently, Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for Vice President of the United States, has become a focal point for Hollywood stars, who are eager to show their support for her. Among these stars is the famous singer Taylor Swift, who shared with her Instagram followers her decision to vote for Harris in person, while leaving the door open for her fans to draw their own conclusions about who they will support.
This campaign is not new for Kamala Harris, who enjoys significant popularity in Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry. However, the "fascination with Kamala" has noticeably increased since President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race last July. Eileen Goldsmith Fine, a Hollywood producer who has contributed to fundraising for the Democratic Party, stated, "The level of enthusiasm now is akin to the excitement seen during former President Barack Obama's first presidential campaign." While Fine acknowledges that previous campaigns, like Hillary Clinton's, were not without enthusiasm, she believes this campaign brings with it a sense of real possibility for radical change. Nonetheless, experts question whether this enthusiasm can translate into tangible impact at the ballot box.
Mark Harvey, a professor at Saint Mary's University and author of a book on celebrity influence in politics, points out that there is little strong evidence that celebrity endorsements significantly affect voter decisions. In fact, some poorly thought-out messages from left-leaning celebrities may even dampen enthusiasm among certain voters.
Harvey cites an upcoming study indicating that a direct call from Taylor Swift to vote for the Democratic Party could make fans "less likely to head to the polls" compared to a non-partisan message. Perhaps for this reason, Swift opted for a smart balance by announcing her personal intent to vote for Harris without directly trying to persuade her fans.
**The Role of Celebrities in Fundraising and Voter Registration**
Although the influence of celebrities on voting remains limited, they have a significant capacity for fundraising, a role they excel in. Eileen Goldsmith Fine says, "Celebrities may not heavily influence how people vote, but they can play a crucial role in fundraising and encouraging people to register to vote."
Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Los Angeles soon for her first major fundraising event since becoming the Democratic nominee. Los Angeles, and California in general, is considered a stronghold for Democrats, and Harris has deep roots there, particularly in the Brentwood neighborhood where she owns a home. Her relationship with Hollywood goes beyond political support, as she is close to influential figures in the entertainment industry, such as producer Reggie Hudlin and his wife, and Disney executive Dana Walden.
Harris has greatly benefited from Hollywood's generosity in her previous campaigns and continues to receive substantial support from stars like Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, Ben Stiller, and George Clooney, who have participated in fundraising events on her behalf.