The 2024 presidential election is five weeks out, and the race for the White House is neck-and-neck with both candidates within just a few points of each other in most national polls. With that being said, can an endorsement from Hollywood’s biggest stars influence voters?
It’s easy to idolize artists and creators, but many care where they stand on contemporary issues. For some, it is important that their favorite artist’s views align with their own, and for others, it doesn’t matter at all.
“I feel like I’m my own person, so what other people think or say doesn’t pertain to me,” Ellerie Hunt, a sophomore accounting major, said.
Still, Hunt understands why it would matter to some and how celebrities do have a strong influence in society when it comes to political decisions, and influence in everyday life. She points to the increase in Gatorade sales after Buffalo Bills star quarterback, Josh Allen, had a giant billboard put up on the side of a building in downtown Buffalo.
“If Taylor Swift were to speak on a topic, then her fans would follow,” Hunt said. “So generally speaking, yes, celebrity endorsements do matter. It just depends on which celebrity is speaking.”
Politicians know how much celebrities and influencers can sway the public’s opinions. Influencer Tana Mongeau, who hosts the wildly popular “Cancelled” podcast with fellow influencer Brooke Schofield, said during an episode that a large group of influencers were reportedly asked to “hypothetically” endorse specific candidates for a large chunk of cash.
While she didn’t take the bait, this led quickly to a massive online discussion of who did and who didn’t. Social media scrollers quickly made the assumption that influencer Bryce Hall was one of those that took the money, as he was recently seen next to presidential candidate Donald Trump at a “Make America Great Again” rally.
“We need Trump back really bad,” Hall said on the podium.
When asked if endorsements from big-name celebrities matter, some students didn’t hesitate with their thoughts. “I don’t think they do,” Kenmar Francisco, a senior computer science major, said. “I think endorsements affect the celebrity more than the candidate.”
Others like knowing that their favorite artists have the same opinions as them — but it isn’t a deal breaker.
“For me, personally, I don’t care about my artist’s political opinions as long as they aren’t morally wrong,” Sydney Burnett, a sophomore English education major, said. “I care about their morals and their values within their viewpoints, but we don’t need to agree on everything. I don’t care if we have different stances politically.”
When it comes to political opinions such as how to deal with the economy, students are content with having different beliefs than their favorite artists. But when it comes to human rights issues — a women’s right to choose, LGBTQ+ rights, etc. — more students need their favorite artists echoing their viewpoints.
To register to vote, check your registration status or find your polling place, go to vote.org to find all the information you need to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Josh Pawlik is an assistant arts editor and can be reached at josh.pawlik@ubspectrum.com
Josh Pawlik is an assistant arts editor for The Spectrum. His hobbies include playing guitar, working out and reading. He can be found on Instagram @joshpawlik
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
