Americast Can Taylor Swift win the election for Harris (Or Trump)?
Sep 13, 2024
Tyler Foggatt, a senior editor at The New Yorker, joins the discussion on Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris and its potential impact on young voters. The conversation highlights the historical context of celebrity endorsements, from Frank Sinatra to Bruce Springsteen, and questions their effectiveness in today's political landscape. They also explore how social media shapes political discourse and engagement, emphasizing the challenges of appealing to younger demographics amid viral trends and influencer culture.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Swift's Endorsement Amplified Election Attention
- Taylor Swift's Instagram endorsement of Kamala Harris reached a massive audience immediately after a debate and amplified attention to the election.
- Hosts question whether celebrity reach translates directly into votes or mainly raises awareness among young potential voters.
Fandoms Can Act As Organic Campaign Machines
- Swift's fandom (the Swifties) generates organic content that can flood social feeds and act like free grassroots campaigning.
- That organic activity may help Harris counteract Trump's own energized online supporter base.
Visibility Beats Targeting In Organic Social
- Social media visibility is more valuable than targeted paid messaging when celebrities spark organic trends.
- Organic posts may not reach swing-state audiences unless the algorithm amplifies them there.