Young people care about celebrities and their views. This article looks at who is supporting Biden and who isn’t.
- Some big celebrity names are openly backing Biden for president
- Others are staying neutral and not picking a side
- Taylor Swift hasn’t endorsed Biden yet after backing him in the last election
- Michelle Obama is promoting her book rather than Biden’s campaign
Are Celebs Really Helping Biden’s Campaign?
Some famous Hollywood names have publicly endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential run. Award-winning singer John Legend and actor Michael Douglas are two of the biggest celebrity backers.
In a recent interview, Douglas spoke up for Biden’s character and achievements:
“The choice is clear. A lot has been said about age and all these things. Both of them are old. But one of them is really a decent man who’s done a lot to improve the lives in this country and that is Joe Biden.”
Michael Douglas is around the same age as Biden. When asked if Biden should step aside for a younger candidate, Douglas said no. Based on accounts from people they both know, Douglas believes Biden is just as sharp as Douglas himself.
However, Biden has made some puzzling public statements that raise concerns about his mental fitness. At an Earth Day event, Biden appeared to mix up his words:
“I’ve seen the devastating toll of climate first hand…We have the highest cancer rate in 1977 any state in the nation. And guess what, a lot of us me included, ended up with bronchial asthma.”
Biden seemed to start saying he had bronchial cancer before correcting to asthma. Moments like these have led some to question whether he is “as sharp as a tack,” as Douglas claims.
Michelle Obama Keeps It Low-Key
One viral celebrity who is noticeably absent from Biden’s campaign is former First Lady Michelle Obama. Instead of rallying for Biden, she has been promoting her new book, The Light We Carry.
In an awkward video, Obama claims to “go undercover” at a Target store to see her book on sale. However, she brings an entire camera crew and entourage with her. Despite being right in Target, Obama doesn’t actually interact with any customers or staff.
While clever marketing, many feel these book promotion stunts indicate Obama is sitting on the sidelines rather than actively campaigning for Biden as she did for Hillary Clinton.
Is Taylor Swift on the Fence?
Back in 2018, global pop superstar Taylor Swift broke her political silence to endorse several Democratic candidates. Her social media posts were seen as instrumental in driving young voter turnout.
This time around for the 2024 presidential election, Swift has stayed mum on endorsing anyone so far. Some speculate she may be having second thoughts after the blowback she received for getting political before.
A scathing review of Swift’s latest album, Midnights, in Paste magazine could be making her hesitant to weigh in. In an unprecedented move, the publication didn’t include the author’s name due to “safety concerns” over the wrath of Swift’s passionate fanbase.
It remains to be seen if Swift will throw her celebrity influence behind Biden’s campaign like last time. Her voice could still prove decisive in motivating young voters to go to the polls.
Star Power Swaying Voters?
While celebrities can raise awareness, it’s hard to say how much their endorsements indeed sway voters’ decisions on candidates.
What impact do you think celebrity endorsements have on elections? Do you follow who celebs are supporting, or do you rely on other sources to make your choice?
