Conservative commentator Tim Young has downplayed the impact of Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential race. Speaking on GBN America, Young claimed that polling suggests Swift's support "didn't make much difference" for the Democratic candidate.
Young questioned the relevance of celebrity opinions in politics, stating, "People don't really care about celebrity opinions."
He also cited fellow musician Pharrell Williams, who reportedly expressed a similar sentiment against celebrity political endorsements.
Young's comments come in the wake of Swift's high-profile Instagram post backing Harris and her running mate Tim Walz.
Swift's endorsement came shortly after the presidential debate between Harris and Donald Trump. In her Instagram post to 283 million followers, Swift wrote: "I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election."
The pop star praised Harris as a "steady-handed, gifted leader" who fights for important causes. She also commended the selection of Tim Walz as running mate.
Swift encouraged her fans to register and vote, providing a link to Vote.gov in her post. She signed off as "Childless Cat Lady", referencing a remark by Trump's running mate about Democratic leaders.
Despite Young's dismissal, some suggest the endorsement has made some impact. According to the Daily Mail, over 337,000 people visited Vote.gov following Swift's Instagram post.
Harris continues to face challenges, with support among Jewish voters at a 36-year low for a Democratic presidential candidate, according to a Pew Research Center poll.
Young's scepticism about celebrity endorsements reflects a broader debate on their relevance in modern politics. He pointed out that even popular artists like Pharrell Williams have expressed reservations about celebrity political opinions.
