If the 2024 US election were to be won by Hollywood endorsements, Kamala Harris would walk into the White House with the Oscar for Best celebrity campaign.
However, with voters heading to the ballot box in mere days, her rival, Donald Trump, is still favored by some pollsters to retake the Oval Office.
US political watcher Patrick Finn told the Mirror that although Harris had obliterated her Republican rival in the celebrity race, she still had much to do if she wants to become Americas first female president.
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Historically, Hollywood endorsements have done little to sway public opinion. They have hardly touched the dial, he said.
But in the world we now live in, with social media carrying so much weight, the 2024 race could be the first time we see celebrity influence make a difference.
With that said, as we near the final hurdle, unless Harris starts making up lost ground on Trump and fast in terms of actual policies, she could have any endorsement she wishes, it will not be enough to get her in the Oval Office.
She needs to tell the American people how a presidency under her will put money in their pockets. Trump is ahead in that area.
Harris hopes her amassed A-list coalition, featuring music icons like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Cher, Cardi B, and John Legend, could prove the difference in this razor-thin race.
Such star power, including Barbra Streisand, Robert De Niro and Jennifer Lawrence, has painted her campaign as a whos-who of the entertainment industry, showcasing support from cultural heavyweights with major influence across age groups and genres. Beyoncé has lent her powerful anthem, Freedom, to the Democratic campaign.
She appeared on Friday at a rally in Houston, joined by her mother, Tina Knowles, and fellow Texan Willie Nelson. Swift has endorsed Harris on social media, calling her a steady-handed leader to 552 million followers.
The singer’s endorsement has energized her fan base, with hers known as Swifties and Beyonce’s as Beyhives, expected to turn out strongly at the ballot box in support of the Democrat, providing a massive boost among crucial female voters.
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Cher and John Legend have also voiced support, with Legend emphasising the stakes of the election, while Springsteen and Eminem recently rallied alongside former President Obama to back Harris. The current Vice Presidents raft of endorsers is just as impressive in Hollywood.
Actors like Sarah Jessica Parker, George Clooney, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jennifer Aniston have also all rallied for her, with Clooney highlighting her ability to lead with empathy and bridge political divides. Parker even posted a photo of a Harris sign in her window.
On the other hand, Trumps list of celebrity supporters is, by contrast, a world away from current superstars and tends to skew toward nostalgic figures with niche appeal.
Elon Musk has emerged as one of the former presidents biggest supporters, controversially donating $1 million a day to swing-state voters.
However, Musks influence remains polarising, especially among mainstream voters.
Fallen Hollywood star Mel Gibson, who made headlines for a bigoted and sexist rant during a traffic stop, is possibly one the highest-profile backers of Trump.
When asked at an airport last week who he is voting for, the Lethal Weapon actor replied: I dont think its going to surprise anyone who I vote for.
Im going to guess Trump, he was asked. I think thats a pretty good guess, Gibson replied without endorsing the Republican by name.
When then asked about Harris, he said: Appalling track record. No policies to speak of. And shes got the IQ of a fence post.
Trumps other celebrity endorsers include ageing cultural icons like actors Dennis Quaid, Jon Voight, and Roseanne Barr, wrestlers Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, rock star Kid Rock, and UFC president Dana White – figures popular among his MAGA base.
Although the figures resonate with Trumps established audience, they dont carry the same cultural weight or relevance as Harriss athletic endorsers.On the sporting front, again, the former president has struggled.
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He has a smattering of current and former NFL players, boxing promotor Don King and Mike Tyson.
Meanwhile, the VPs Athletes for Harris initiative, launched in September, has drawn endorsements from NBA legend Magic Johnson, tennis icon Billie Jean King, Golden State Warriors basketball head coach Steve Kerr, and star player Steph Curry.
The contrasts in celebrity and sporting support underscore different dynamics in each campaign.
Finn added: Harriss endorsement list isnt just extensive, its modern, representing an inclusive coalition that resonates with younger voters and mainstream culture.
Trumps lineup of endorsements, while loyal, tends to play to his existing base without reaching undecided or younger voters in the same way. Come November 5, we will see just how much these stars swayed the 2024 campaign.
Beyoncé
Taylor Swift
Bruce Springsteen
Eminem
Cher
Whoopi Goldberg
George Clooney
Barbra Streisand
Robert De Niro
Jennifer Lawrence
Dana White
Dennis Quaid
Jon Voight
Rosanne Barr
Hulk Hogan
The Undertaker
Kid Rock
Elon Musk
Mel Gibson
Azealia Banks
