Luke Winkie is a staff writer at Slate, known for his cultural commentary, and Kat Tenbarge is a tech and culture reporter for NBC News. Together, they explore how political candidates, including Kamala Harris, are shaping their images through fashion and social media. The influence of celebrity endorsements, like Taylor Swift's, on voter perception is dissected, highlighting the power of influencers in modern politics. They discuss the strategic use of podcasts by political figures to engage younger voters and question the implications of this trend.
The fashion choices of political candidates serve as strategic visual tools that shape their public persona and communicate authority.
Candidates are increasingly leveraging social media and podcasts to authentically connect with younger voters and build relatable narratives.
Deep dives
Political Fashion Statements
The fashion choices of political candidates serve as powerful visual statements that contribute to their public persona. For instance, Donald Trump is often seen in a tailored blue suit with a long red tie, a look that has become synonymous with his brand. Similarly, Vice President Kamala Harris opts for dark suits and occasionally incorporates feminine touches such as pussy bow blouses. These choices not only reflect their individual styles but also communicate messages about power, authority, and identity in a political landscape that scrutinizes every detail.
The Role of Consistency in Image
Many politicians, especially women, tend to favor a consistent 'uniform' to simplify their public image. This strategy minimizes distractions and allows their policy discussions to take center stage, as observed with figures like Angela Merkel and Margaret Thatcher, who often wore similar silhouettes. Kamala Harris’s choice to wear polished bespoke suits from designers like Chloe creates a subtle connection to traditional femininity while also asserting her professionalism and power. This repetition in style promotes a sense of familiarity while strategically conveying their authority sans frills.
The Impact of Celebrity Endorsements
Celebrity endorsements in politics, while popular, may not hold the same weight as they once did, as seen with Taylor Swift's recent support for Harris and Walz. Despite gaining millions of likes, the influence of such endorsements lacks the immediacy and relatability of personal interactions via social media and podcasts. Political figures are increasingly opting for informal conversations with influencers, recognizing the power of niche audiences. This shift signifies a strategy to connect with younger voters who feel more engaged by authenticity rather than traditional endorsement formats.
Influencer Culture in Politics
The rise of influencer culture has transformed the political landscape, prompting candidates to target and engage younger demographics through social media and podcasts. This trend is exemplified by Trump's appearances on platforms like Aiden Ross's Twitch stream, which caters to a predominantly young male audience. The casual nature of these interviews allows candidates to connect with voters on a more personal level, fostering a sense of community and relatability. Recognizing the growing importance of these relationships, candidates tailor their messaging to resonate with the emotional and cultural dynamics of their audience.
Podcast and social media influencers have become important campaign stops for political hopefuls. But what kind of voters are the candidates courting? And what does the popularity of these interviews say about the growing political power of the influencer? Brittany is joined by Slate staff writer Luke Winkie and NBC News tech and culture reporter Kat Tenbarge to find out.
But first, what can we learn about the political candidates through their clothes? After the presidential debate, Brittany sat down with Washington Post fashion writer Rachel Tashjian and New York Times chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman to talk about the fashion choices of the front runners and how power dressing has changed. They also play a Taylor Swift trivia game.