How Celebrity Endorsements and Joe Rogan Shaped the 2024 Election: A Closer Look at Trump’s Victory Over Harris
The 2024 U.S. presidential election saw one of the most dynamic showdowns in recent history, where the impact of celebrity endorsements became a central narrative. While Kamala Harris was backed by a wave of A-list endorsements, including top Hollywood actors and influential music artists, these high-profile gestures didn’t secure the victory many had hoped. Meanwhile, a single podcast episode featuring Donald Trump on Joe Rogan’s show may have resonated with young voters and significantly boosted his appeal. Let’s delve deeper into how celebrities played a role in this election cycle and why Rogan’s influence may have changed the course of history.
The Celebrity Factor: Harris’s A-List Support
Kamala Harris’s campaign saw an unprecedented level of celebrity support, marked by endorsements from iconic figures such as Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Beyoncé, and Eminem. These high-profile supporters rallied around Harris with public endorsements, campaign ads, and even in-person appearances at rallies.
Taylor Swift’s Endorsement and Its Impact
Taylor Swift’s endorsement, in particular, was seen as a critical win for Harris’s campaign. When Swift endorsed Harris on social media, her post garnered over 10 million likes and reportedly directed hundreds of thousands of her young fans to voter registration sites. Analysts speculated that Swift’s endorsement might sway young voters—a demographic both campaigns targeted heavily.
Despite these endorsements, however, Harris struggled to gain traction among young voters. Studies have suggested that celebrity endorsements can sometimes have the opposite effect, alienating the very demographic they aim to attract. This may have been the case with Harris’s younger, Gen Z audience, who remained lukewarm or indifferent toward celebrity endorsements.
Hollywood vs. Main Street: Were Celebrity Endorsements Counterproductive?
The enthusiasm of Harris’s celebrity supporters may have painted a perception that was disconnected from the concerns of average voters in critical swing states. With celebrities like Beyoncé, Lizzo, and Lady Gaga promoting her candidacy, Harris’s campaign leaned heavily into Hollywood’s influence, which could have inadvertently distanced some working-class voters.
Did Harris Overplay Her Celebrity Support?
The strategic use of celebrities had its advantages, but political experts question whether Harris over-relied on the Hollywood connection. A prior study from North Carolina State University found that young voters might not be swayed by celebrity endorsements and, in some cases, may view them as disingenuous. This trend appears to have resurfaced in 2024, with Harris’s heavy reliance on celebrity influence potentially causing young and undecided voters to perceive her campaign as less grounded.
Joe Rogan’s Influence: A Key Factor for Trump’s Success with Young Voters
As Harris leaned on mainstream stars, Donald Trump found an unexpected advantage in an interview with Joe Rogan, host of one of the world’s most influential podcasts. Rogan’s audience, primarily young and diverse in viewpoints, provided Trump with a platform that traditional campaign strategies could not. The episode, lasting nearly three hours, showcased Trump in a different light, allowing him to connect more casually with a broad audience.
The Reach and Impact of Rogan’s Podcast
The interview quickly went viral, amassing 46 million views on YouTube alone. Young voters, especially those undecided or unaffiliated, seemed particularly drawn to the relaxed, unfiltered format. Some exit polls from Arizona and other battleground states indicated that many young voters mentioned the Rogan episode as a critical factor in their decision to support Trump. Political experts attribute this to Rogan’s authentic style, which appeals to audiences skeptical of traditional media.
Celebrities and the Election Narrative: A Double-Edged Sword
Endorsements from stars like Julia Roberts, who narrated a pro-Harris ad, had mixed reviews. The ad, aimed at conservative-leaning women, was praised by some as clever, but others found it to be condescending and tone-deaf. Similarly, while Hollywood A-listers like Clooney and Springsteen helped draw attention to Harris’s campaign, their influence may have come across as elitist rather than relatable to middle America.
The Julia Roberts Controversy: Mixed Reactions
The Roberts-narrated ad, which depicted wives secretly voting for Harris while married to Trump supporters, stirred conversations around cultural divides and voter outreach strategies. While the ad attempted to resonate with moderate voters, critics argued that it may have alienated more voters than it converted.
How Trump’s Limited Celebrity Support Boosted His Image
Unlike Harris, Trump’s celebrity endorsements came from figures seen as more relatable to certain demographics, such as Hulk Hogan, UFC’s Dana White, and musician Kid Rock. These endorsements carried a populist appeal, resonating with Trump’s blue-collar base and contrasting with the Hollywood stars on Harris’s side. This may have helped Trump build an image of authenticity that connected with Rust Belt voters.
The Rust Belt Effect: Why Rogan Resonated in Swing States
With Pennsylvania and other Rust Belt states being critical to victory, Trump’s appearance on Rogan’s podcast may have been strategically impactful. Rust Belt voters, often skeptical of Hollywood’s influence, seemed to find comfort in Trump’s populist tone and his relatable demeanor in the Rogan interview. For voters in this region, the appearance may have humanized Trump and distanced him from the polished image many associate with celebrities.
