In a notable political maneuver, Vice President Kamala Harris has officially launched a new advertising campaign in collaboration with pop icon Taylor Swift. This initiative, revealed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on September 13, aims at increasing voter engagement in major urban centers including New York City and Las Vegas.
The campaign features catchy slogans aligned with Swift's popular phrases, such as "We're in our Kamala era!" and "A New Way Forward Ready For It?" A major highlight of this campaign is a massive billboard in Times Square, which stands 22 stories high and cleverly incorporates a nod to Swift's hit song "22" and her celebrated album "Red." Another bold billboard located in Las Vegas directly challenges former President Donald Trump, asking, "Exhausted with this guy?"
The impact of Swift's advocacy appears significant, as nearly half a million users visited Vote.gov within just 24 hours following her endorsement, a drastic increase compared to the usual daily average of about 30,000 visits. Data from TargetSmart indicates a staggering 400 to 500 percent rise in voter registrations, amounting to approximately 9,000 to 10,000 new registrations each hour.
Rosemary Boeglin, the DNC's communications director, emphasized the differing strategies between Harris and Trump, particularly focusing on Harris's commitment to enhancing voter turnout as Election Day nears. Taylor Swift's political involvement is not entirely new; she previously backed Joe Biden during the 2020 election, evidencing her ongoing dedication to political advocacy.
In response to Swift's mobilization efforts, Trump noteworthy remarked that she might face backlash for sharing her political views, downplaying her contributions to the arts. Swift's activism has aligned her with other politically minded artists, thereby fortifying the Harris campaign as the election approaches. Furthermore, Swift's recent achievements at the 2024 MTV VMAs, where she garnered multiple awards, showcase her continued influence in modern political dialogue.