Taylor Swift and Beyoncé may be music legends in the U.S., but their political endorsements hold little sway, according to a new Suffolk University/USA TODAY poll of registered voters. Only 3% of voters said an endorsement from Swift or Beyoncé would significantly influence their vote, while a striking 89% said Swift’s endorsement would either not matter or make them less likely to support the candidate. Beyoncé fared slightly worse, with 91% expressing the same sentiment.
Kim Kardashian, despite her vast social media following, fared the worst. Not a single respondent out of 500 registered voters said her endorsement would matter significantly, with 96% stating it would either not matter or deter them from supporting the candidate. This is despite Kardashian’s genuine commitment to prison reform and her significant contributions to the Armenia Fund and the Dream Foundation.
The poll’s findings suggest that voters do not look to celebrities, whether former politicians, athletes, or entertainers, for political guidance, especially in a race between two prominent presidential candidates. Even the most influential figures, like former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, only had a modest impact. Eighteen percent of voters said Barack Obama’s endorsement would matter a lot, but this influence was diluted among those already inclined to vote for President Joe Biden.
Among undecided voters, Barack Obama’s influence was at 14%, which is still a small fraction of the overall voter base. Michelle Obama had a 9% influence among undecided voters, with Oprah Winfrey at 5%, and former President Bill Clinton at 4%.
Interestingly, despite the success of male celebrities transitioning into politics, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Donald Trump, female celebrities do not enjoy the same level of political support. When asked if they would support female celebrities as political candidates, not one of the 22 listed celebrities received a “more likely” endorsement from the voters.
However, there were some notable mentions:
Oprah Winfrey (30% more likely to support): Oprah remains a beloved figure, especially among Democrats, with 53% expressing support. Her extensive experience as a talk show host and producer gives her a strong appeal, particularly in a Democratic primary without an incumbent.
Sandra Bullock (29% more likely to support): Known for her roles in movies like “Gravity” and “The Blind Side,” Bullock enjoys bipartisan support, especially among Independents and Republicans. Her multiple residences across the country provide her with various options for a populist campaign.
Serena Williams (28% more likely to support): The tennis champion’s resilience and numerous Grand Slam titles make her a strong contender. Williams’ background and personal triumphs resonate well with voters, giving her a solid foundation for a political career in states like California or Florida.
Viola Davis (25% more likely to support): Davis stands out, especially among Black voters, with 65% expressing strong support. Her advocacy for human rights and childhood hunger, coupled with her influential status, makes her an excellent candidate for political office, particularly in majority-minority districts.
In conclusion, while celebrity endorsements may capture headlines, their impact on voter decisions appears limited. Nevertheless, some celebrities, particularly those with a strong track record of advocacy and public service, still hold potential for successful political careers.