First-time candidate Kamala Harris has accumulated an impressive community of A-list supporters. From Beyoncé, who provided the soundtrack to Harris’ debut campaign video, ‘Freedom’, to Barbara Streisand, who called Trump a "pathological liar" aiming to "destroy our great democracy", Harris' list of endorsements has been steadily growing. Billie Eilish, Finneas, Ariana Grande and Bruce Springsteen all also took to social media to share their endorsements for Harris campaign.
Twice impeached and fighting for his belated second term, Donald Trump has accrued a decent collection of stars to fight his corner. Perhaps most notably, former rival Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) has made his support of the 45th president clear, telling paparazzi "It’s Trump all day". Other artists endorsing the Republican leader include Azaelia Banks, who rationalised her decision stating "he’s just fucking funny"; Kid Rock, who said "I want the guy who goes ‘I’m going to fight with you’"; and musical pioneer of ‘Still Softish’ Bryce Hall, who spoke at a Trump rally in September.
Controversially, other artists are choosing to remain impartial in their endorsements, most notably Midwest Princess Chappell Roan. Speaking to The Guardian, she revealed that she doesn’t "feel pressured to endorse anyone". In the wake of an internet hate campaign, she took to TikTok to explain her statement. "I think it’s important for me to question authority and question world leaders. I want to be a part of the generation that changes things for good" she said. "Actions speak louder than words, and actions speak louder than endorsements".
Roan has been incredibly vocal in her activism, refusing to perform at the White House, until the Biden administration brings "liberty, justice and freedom for all", and consistently utilising her platform to amplify queer and other marginalised voices. That being said, does it set a dangerous precedent to deny an endorsement on the basis that there are problems within both parties, when one is demonstratively much more harmful to the communities that Roan has built her platform with the help of?
With each candidate having their share of musical support, and lack thereof, a clear predetermined winner remains to be seen. The impact of artist endorsements will come to fruition in a matter of days.
