In a significant political move, Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a new advertising campaign in collaboration with pop superstar Taylor Swift. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) revealed these initiatives on September 13, focusing on high-visibility areas in major cities such as New York City and Las Vegas.
The campaign employs slogans geared towards Swift's extensive fanbase, like "We're in our Kamala era!" and "A New Way Forward Ready For It?" A prominent element of the campaign is a colossal billboard in Times Square, towering 22 stories high. This billboard cleverly references Swift's hit song "22" and her acclaimed album "Red." In addition, a bold billboard in Las Vegas directly confronts former President Donald Trump with the message, "Exhausted with this guy?"
Swift's advocacy seems to be significantly influencing voter mobilization. Following her endorsement, nearly half a million visitors accessed Vote.gov within a 24-hour period, a marked increase from the typical daily figure of about 30,000. Data from TargetSmart indicates that voter registrations surged by 400 to 500 percent, resulting in approximately 9,000 to 10,000 new registrations per hour.
Rosemary Boeglin, the DNC's communications director, highlighted the contrasting political strategies between Harris and Trump, focusing on Harris’s dedication to boosting voter participation as Election Day approaches. Swift's political involvement is not new, as she had previously supported Joe Biden during the 2020 election, showcasing her commitment to political advocacy.
In reaction to Swift's endorsement, Trump remarked that she could face backlash for her political opinions and dismissed her contributions to the arts. Swift's activism aligns her with other artists sharing similar political beliefs, thereby enhancing the Harris campaign as the election date draws nearer. Additionally, Swift's recent triumphs at the 2024 MTV VMAs, where she collected multiple awards, solidify her influence in contemporary political discourse.