Polls Reveal Public Disapproval of Celebrity Political Activism Amid Kamala Harris’ Costly Campaign Blitz
By Owen Klinsky
From Kid Rock to Beyoncé to Lebron James, a smorgasbord of celebrities chimed in on the 2024 presidential election — most often in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris — but new data shows their endorsements may not be much of a political boon.
Only about a quarter of Americans approve of celebrities and professional athletes commenting on political issues, according to an AP/NORC poll of 1,251 adults released Thursday, suggesting their backing could have a minimal, or even negative, effect on a candidate’s chances. The trend seems especially true of Republicans with just 11% of GOP adults approving and 61% disapproving of celebrity political punditry.
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Americans also dislike big business weighing in on public affairs, with just 31% of Democrats and 19% of Republicans surveyed in the AP/NORC poll saying they approve of large companies speaking out about political issues. Support for small businesses sounding off on politics was much greater, with 43% of Americans approving of the practice.
More broadly, 65% of U.S. adults surveyed feel the need to limit their political news consumption due to “information overload, fatigue or similar reasons,” including 72% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans. However, only 37% of Democrats say they feel a need to restrict their media consumption regarding climate change.
The American people’s apparent dislike of celebrities publicizing their political views could help explain Harris’ November defeat, which saw her campaign reportedly pay Oprah Winfrey’s production company $1 million after the talk show host appeared at a Harris town hall event. The Democratic campaign also spent up to $20 million holding concerts in swing states featuring star musical artists such as Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry and Megan Thee Stallion, according to the New York Post.
Harris also received celebrity endorsements from Taylor Swift, Cardi B and “non-binary,” former heroin addict Demi Lovato.
In part due to lavish spending on celebrity appearances, the Harris campaign blew through a $1 billion war chest, reportedly ending up $20 million in debt.
