In a strategic political move, Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a new advertising campaign in collaboration with pop icon Taylor Swift. This initiative was unveiled by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on September 13, aiming to enhance voter engagement in major urban centers such as New York City and Las Vegas.
The campaign features catchy slogans inspired by Swift's catchy phrases, such as "We're in our Kamala era!" and "A New Way Forward Ready For It?" A significant highlight of this campaign is a massive billboard in Times Square, soaring to 22 stories high, cleverly nodding to Swift's hit song "22" and her acclaimed album "Red." Another striking billboard located in Las Vegas directly questions former President Donald Trump, stating, "Exhausted with this guy?"
The influence of Swift's involvement is apparent, as nearly half a million users flocked to Vote.gov within just 24 hours of her endorsement, markedly higher than the normal daily average of around 30,000 visits. According to data from TargetSmart, there has been an estimated 400 to 500 percent surge in voter registrations, translating to approximately 9,000 to 10,000 new registrations each hour.
Rosemary Boeglin, DNC's communications director, highlighted the contrasting strategies of Harris and Trump, with a particular emphasis on Harris's commitment to boosting voter turnout as Election Day approaches. Taylor Swift's political engagement is not entirely new; she previously endorsed Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election, underscoring her ongoing dedication to political advocacy.
In response to Swift's mobilization efforts, Trump has commented that she might encounter backlash for voicing her political opinions, attempting to downplay her contributions to the arts. Swift's activism has aligned her with other politically engaged artists, strengthening the Harris campaign in preparation for the upcoming election. Furthermore, Swift’s recent accolades at the 2024 MTV VMAs, where she secured multiple awards, emphasize her sustained influence in contemporary political discussions.