In a strategic move, Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, has officially initiated a series of advertisements inspired by Taylor Swift's endorsement of her campaign. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) unveiled these initiatives on September 13, with a focus on high-visibility locations in major cities like New York City and Las Vegas.
The billboards, featuring catchy slogans such as "We're in our Kamala era!" and "A New Way Forward Ready For It?", aim to resonate with Swift's substantial fanbase, leveraging her significant cultural influence. One of the standout advertisements is stationed prominently in Times Square, towering at 22 stories high, cleverly referencing Swift’s popular song "22" as well as her acclaimed album "Red". Another advertisement in Las Vegas poses a pointed question aimed at former President Donald Trump, stating, "Exhausted with this guy?"
Swift's backing has already had a measurable impact on voter engagement. Following her endorsement, reports indicate that nearly half a million individuals visited Vote.gov within 24 hours, a dramatic increase from the usual average of about 30,000 daily visitors. The data firm TargetSmart reported a remarkable surge in voter registrations, estimating an increase of 400 to 500 percent, translating to 9,000 to 10,000 new registrations per hour.
Rosemary Boeglin, the DNC's communications director, remarked on the different political strategies employed by Harris compared to Trump, emphasizing the need for heightened voter engagement leading up to the forthcoming election. Swift, who previously endorsed Joe Biden during the 2020 election, positioned her support for Harris as a call for stable leadership amid the current political strife.
In response to Swift’s endorsement, Trump suggested that she might face backlash for her views, while maintaining a dismissive tone towards her artistry. Swift's activism places her in alignment with other artists who share similar political ideals, further bolstering Harris’s campaign as Election Day looms. At the recent 2024 MTV VMAs, Swift reaffirmed her status as a cultural icon by winning multiple awards, thereby solidifying her influential role in contemporary politics.