In a strategic move to enhance voter engagement, Vice President Kamala Harris has officially launched a series of advertisements inspired by the endorsement of her campaign by pop superstar Taylor Swift. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) unveiled these initiatives on September 13, targeting high-visibility areas in major cities, including New York City and Las Vegas.
The advertisement campaign features slogans designed to connect with Swift's extensive fanbase. Notable examples include bold phrases like "We're in our Kamala era!" and "A New Way Forward Ready For It?" One of the most striking ads is a massive billboard located in Times Square, stretching 22 stories high, which cleverly references Swift’s hit song "22" as well as her critically acclaimed album "Red." Another billboard located in Las Vegas directly challenges former President Donald Trump with the question, "Exhausted with this guy?"
Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris has been linked to a substantial uptick in voter engagement. Reports indicate that nearly half a million people visited Vote.gov in the 24 hours following her endorsement, a stark increase from the average of approximately 30,000 daily visitors. Data collected by TargetSmart backs this claim, estimating a 400 to 500 percent surge in voter registrations, translating to an impressive 9,000 to 10,000 new registrations per hour.
Rosemary Boeglin, communications director for the DNC, provided insight into the differing political strategies between Harris and Trump, emphasizing Harris's commitment to mobilizing voters in anticipation of the upcoming election. This is not the first time Swift has made a significant political statement; her previous endorsement of Joe Biden in the 2020 election reflects her ongoing advocacy for stable leadership amid political turmoil.
In response to Swift’s influential backing, Trump has suggested that she may face backlash for her political views while adopting a dismissive tone regarding her artistic contributions. Swift’s activism places her alongside other artists who espouse similar political ideals, thus strengthening Harris’s campaign as Election Day approaches. Further underscoring her status as a cultural icon, Swift's victory at the recent 2024 MTV VMAs, where she won multiple awards, cements her role as a significant influence within contemporary politics.