Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, has officially unveiled a series of Taylor Swift-themed advertisements following the singer's endorsement of her campaign earlier this week. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced these ads on September 13, highlighting key locations such as New York City and Las Vegas as prime spots for their visibility.
The billboards display catchy slogans including "We're in our Kamala era!" and "A New Way Forward Ready For It?" aimed specifically at resonating with Swift's extensive fanbase while leveraging her significant cultural influence. One particular advertisement has been positioned prominently in Times Square, 22 stories high, in homage to Swift's song "22" and her album "Red." Another ad located in Las Vegas contains a pointed message aimed at former President Donald Trump, asking, "Exhausted with this guy?"
Reports indicate that Swift’s endorsement has directly impacted voter registration numbers. In the first 24 hours after her announcement, nearly half a million people visited Vote.gov, a substantial increase from the typical daily average of around 30,000 visitors. Data firm TargetSmart reported a remarkable surge in registrations, estimating a 400 to 500 percent increase, with numbers surging to 9,000 to 10,000 new registrations per hour.
The DNC’s communications director, Rosemary Boeglin, emphasized the contrasting political strategies of Harris compared to Trump, stressing the importance of voter engagement ahead of the upcoming election. Swift, who notably endorsed Joe Biden during the 2020 election, framed her recent support for Harris as a call for steady and calm leadership amidst the current political chaos.
Trump, in response to Swift's endorsement, commented that she might face repercussions for her political stance, while keeping a dismissive tone towards her artistry. Swift's ongoing political activism aligns her with various artists who share similar views, thereby bolstering Harris’s campaign as Election Day approaches. During her recent appearance at the 2024 MTV VMAs, Swift further cemented her status as a cultural icon by winning multiple awards, reinforcing her role as a significant influencer.