2024 elections: There is growing interest in Taylor Swift’s potential influence on voters

As President Joe Biden’s approval ratings face challenges ahead of the 2024 election, his campaign is increasingly aware of the potential influence of pop star Taylor Swift, who endorsed him in 2020. Swift, with her significant media presence, could play a key role, as indicated by a recent job advertisement for Biden’s reelection campaign mentioning a “Taylor Swift strategy.”

Swift, who has a favorable view among 70 percent of Americans, contrasts sharply with Biden’s dipping approval ratings, which recently reached 39 percent, a low for any recent US leader at this stage of their presidency according to Gallup.

In 2020, Swift publicly supported Biden and has been effective in motivating her fan base, known as “Swifties,” to register and vote, albeit not without scrutiny. America’s heightened political polarization has put pressure on celebrities like Swift, who had previously maintained an apolitical stance. However, the divisiveness of the Trump era and her own values led her to become more politically vocal.

Swift’s endorsement of Biden and critique of Trump for “stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism” marked a shift in her approach to politics. Her increased visibility and influence, breaking music records and gracing magazine covers, enhance her potential impact.

Swift’s fan base comprises mostly young women who are a critical Democratic voting bloc. However, Biden’s support among young Americans has waned, particularly due to his administration’s stance on international issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In a hyperpolarized America, Swift’s actions, such as attending a fundraiser for Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict, resonate with her fans. A recent Harvard poll shows a decline in the percentage of young Americans “definitely” planning to vote for president compared to 2020.

Political science experts, like Matthew Harris from Park University, note Swift’s ability to mobilize and encourage voter registration, potentially swaying an election in closely contested areas.

Swift has subtly shown support for Biden’s 2024 campaign, allowing her song “Only The Young” for a pro-Biden ad. While there is no apparent friction between Swift and Biden, the President’s occasional gaffes, like confusing Swift with Britney Spears, could impact his relatability to younger voters, though it might appeal to their parents, who also form a significant voter base.