In a strategic move to boost voter engagement, Vice President Kamala Harris has unveiled a new advertising campaign following the endorsement of her campaign by pop superstar Taylor Swift. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced these initiatives on September 13, focusing on high-visibility areas in major cities, including New York City and Las Vegas.
The advertisement campaign features catchy slogans aimed at resonating with Swift's vast fanbase. Notable slogans include "We're in our Kamala era!" and "A New Way Forward Ready For It?" A standout component of the campaign is a massive billboard in Times Square, towering 22 stories high, which cleverly references Swift’s hit song "22" and her acclaimed album "Red." Additionally, a billboard in Las Vegas directly confronts former President Donald Trump with the provocative phrase, "Exhausted with this guy?"
Taylor Swift's endorsement has reportedly sparked a substantial rise in voter engagement. Following her endorsement, an estimated half a million people visited Vote.gov within 24 hours, dramatically surpassing the usual average of around 30,000 daily visitors. According to data compiled by TargetSmart, there has been a 400 to 500 percent increase in voter registrations, resulting in approximately 9,000 to 10,000 new registrations per hour.
Rosemary Boeglin, the communications director for the DNC, emphasized the political strategies of Harris in contrast to Trump’s, highlighting Harris's dedication to mobilizing voters as Election Day nears. Swift's previous endorsement of Joe Biden in the 2020 election illustrates her ongoing involvement in political advocacy.
In response to Swift’s significant backing of Harris, Trump has implied that Swift might face criticism for her political views and adopted a dismissive tone regarding her artistic contributions. Swift’s activism places her among artists who share similar political philosophies, thereby strengthening Harris’s campaign as the election approaches. Her recent success at the 2024 MTV VMAs, where she secured multiple awards, further reinforces her status as a pivotal figure in contemporary politics.