YouGov Poll Shows Taylor Swift’s Endorsement Turns Voters Away From Kamala Harris
Taylor Swift’s recent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris has sparked debate about the influence of celebrity endorsements in politics. Following last Thursday’s presidential debate, Swift announced to her 284 million Instagram followers that she will vote for Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D). Swift praised Harris for her leadership qualities and dedication to various social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive health.
Despite Swift’s high profile, a new YouGov poll reveals that her endorsement may not have the impact Harris hoped for. The poll indicates that only 8% of voters are now more likely to support Harris due to Swift’s endorsement. In contrast, 20% of respondents reported being less likely to vote for Harris as a result of the endorsement. A significant 66% of those surveyed said that Swift’s announcement has no impact on their voting decision for November.
The poll also highlights a mixed reaction to Swift’s involvement in politics. About 41% of participants believe that Swift should refrain from commenting on political matters, while 38% support her right to make public endorsements. Additionally, 66% of respondents identified as not being Swift fans, while 28% consider themselves fans, and 6% are “big fans.” The majority of these “big fans” are women and registered Democrats.
Interest in voter engagement also showed a modest uptick following Swift’s announcement. A spokesperson reported that over 337,000 people visited vote.gov through a link shared by Swift. Despite this, the poll underscores a broader sentiment that celebrity endorsements, even from prominent figures like Swift, may not significantly sway the average voter’s choice.
Overall, while the debate performance of Harris was considered better by 46% of people compared to 19% for former President Donald Trump, only 6% said it influenced their voting intentions. The YouGov poll results suggest that while Swift’s endorsement generates buzz, it does not necessarily translate into increased support for Harris among the electorate.