The Democratic campaign for the 2024 election is leveraging celebrity endorsements and performances to boost support for Kamala Harris in the final week before Election Day. With stars like Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyoncé rallying for Harris, the events are drawing enthusiastic crowds and energizing voters.
The strategy of using celebrity endorsements is not new for the Democrats, who have historically enjoyed this advantage. However, the aim is to not only energize voters but also encourage them to turn out at the polls. The events, part of Harris’ “When We Vote We Win” concert series, are also featuring performances from a variety of artists like Maggie Rogers, James Taylor, and Los Tigres del Norte.
While Donald Trump has support from celebrities popular among his base, like Kid Rock and Waka Flocka Flame, the Republican side largely lacks the star power seen at Harris’ events. Instead, Trump often provides the celebrity presence himself at his rallies. The disparity in celebrity backing highlights the different approaches of the two campaigns.
Despite the excitement generated by these celebrity-packed events, history shows that a focus on star power can sometimes mask underlying issues with a candidate or their message. Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign similarly relied on celebrities like Lady Gaga and Jay Z, but ultimately fell short in key battleground states.
As the election draws near, both campaigns are intensifying their efforts, with Harris set to headline rallies in Wisconsin, Arizona, and Las Vegas with performances from a range of artists. The final push, supported by a host of celebrities, underscores the significance of mobilizing voters in the crucial last days of the campaign.
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