The United States is deeply divided, with stark political distances translating into real-world separations. Friendships across party lines are rare, and only 8% of marriages are between supporters of the two major parties. However, one area where all Americans converge is culture and sports, which is why celebrity endorsements during this lengthy electoral campaign have been so significant. In this regard, regardless of the outcome after November 5, there is a clear winner: Kamala Harris.

Celebrities Rally Behind the Democratic Candidate

The Power of Celebrity Endorsements

Celebrity support has predominantly rallied behind the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. Since late July, when Joe Biden withdrew from the race, Harris has attracted a multitude of powerful figures from the realms of music, film, and television. At the Democratic convention that nominated her in August, she was endorsed by stars such as Eva Longoria, musicians like Pink and Stevie Wonder, and the influential media personality Oprah Winfrey. Actress Kerry Washington, alongside her Scandal co-star Tony Goldwyn, introduced Harris at the convention, describing her role as a privilege and her involvement in the campaign as a "selfish act" that connected her to the real world.

Celebrities as Advocates for Ideas

The ability of celebrities to serve as advocates for ideas, rather than as oracles with definitive solutions, has motivated many prominent figures in the entertainment industry to speak out. Two of the most significant celebrities to do so are Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, both of whom have played crucial roles in shaping 20th-century pop culture while also setting trends and making millions of dollars. They have supported Harris' campaign in distinct yet equally impactful ways, with Swift publicly endorsing Harris and urging her fans to register to vote, and Beyoncé permitting Harris to use her song "Freedom" throughout the campaign and later appearing at a rally in Houston to emphasize the importance of voting.

The Partisan Divide in Celebrity Endorsements

Traditionally, Democrats have won more support from celebrities, who often align with progressive ideals. This election cycle has been no exception, with Hollywood mobilizing from the outset to raise funds and increase visibility for Harris. High-profile figures such as George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, Katy Perry, John Legend, Jamie Lee Curtis, Cardi B, and Lizzo have all contributed to the campaign. On the other hand, Republicans have had a harder time winning over celebrities, with notable endorsements coming from wrestlers Mike Tyson and Hulk Hogan, as well as actors such as Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Quaid, Roseanne Barr, and Russell Brand.

The Impact of Celebrity Endorsements

According to the AceOdds betting calculator and data analyzed by Google, citizens conduct millions of searches regarding celebrity endorsements for the candidates: approximately 1.39 billion queries about which celebrities support Harris and around 389 million for those backing Trump. This significant public interest highlights the power of celebrity influence in shaping political narratives and mobilizing voters. As Professor Mat McAllister, a communications specialist at Pennsylvania State University, explains, "Celebrities have their own fan bases that can become news users, and even non-fans may be curious about them."

The Backlash Against Trump

The rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday proved to be a significant setback for Trump, resulting in a loss of support from several celebrities. When comedian Tony Hinchcliffe called Puerto Rico "a floating island of garbage" — despite it being a U.S. territory where residents can vote in primaries but not for president unless they are outside the island — many turned their backs on him. Prominent figures like Bad Bunny, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, and Jennifer Lopez, who attended a rally with Harris on October 31, voiced their disapproval. Even some of Trump's previous supporters, such as rappers Anuel AA, Justin Quiles, and Nicky Jam, distanced themselves from the former president following Hinchcliffe's comments.

The Shifting Tides Within the Republican Party

Trump's popularity has waned so much that even within the Republican Party, he faces backlash. Barbara P. Bush, daughter of former president George W. Bush, has announced her support for Kamala Harris, joining former Republican politicians like Liz Cheney and Mike Pence in their opposition to Trump. Even one of the most well-known Republicans, Arnold Schwarzenegger, said that he would not be voting for Trump, explaining that he will "always be an American before a Republican."In the end, the power of celebrity endorsements has been undeniable in this election cycle, with Kamala Harris emerging as the clear winner in the battle for celebrity support. As Professor McAllister notes, "Celebrities have their own fan bases that can become news users, and even non-fans may be curious about them." This dynamic has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape and mobilizing voters, with the Democratic candidate benefiting from a groundswell of support from the entertainment industry.