Bill Maher: Swift’s support could ‘swing the election’

The HBO host, Bill Maher, praised Taylor Swift’s support of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris on a recent episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” describing it as a historic development for the 2024 primary. Maher, who has long been an advocate for the influence that celebrity endorsements may have, used the occasion to draw attention to the significant influence that Swift’s backing may have on the next election.

During the show, Maher expressed his enthusiasm for Swift’s endorsement, noting that the pop superstar’s influence extends far beyond the typical celebrity endorsement. “Let’s get to the big news this week: Taylor Swift finally told people who to vote for,” Maher said during the panel discussion. He emphasized that while there is a long-standing skepticism about the impact of celebrity endorsements, Swift’s recent actions defy that conventional wisdom.

Swift’s endorsement came shortly after a key presidential debate, marking a strategic moment for her to weigh in. In an Instagram post with her 284 million followers, Swift announced her support for Harris and Walz, citing their commitment to crucial issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and social justice. The post included a voter registration link, which prompted more than 300,000 people to register to vote—a testament to Swift’s immense reach and influence.

Maher pointed out that the surge in voter registrations directly following Swift’s endorsement underscores her ability to mobilize and engage the electorate. “I mean, just the number of people who immediately were registered from that tweet,” Maher remarked, underscoring the tangible impact of Swift’s intervention.

He further criticized the notion that celebrity endorsements are ineffective, using the example of George Clooney’s previous influence on Biden’s campaign to highlight a broader trend. “People are always so behind on these things, you know,” Maher said, comparing the public and media reaction to similar endorsements. He argued that Swift’s influence is a powerful example of how celebrities can drive political engagement and shape electoral outcomes.

Maher’s praise of Swift’s endorsement also touches on a larger conversation about the role of celebrities in politics. His assertion that Swift has “saved democracy” by rallying support for Harris and Walz suggests a recognition of the evolving dynamics in political campaigning. As Maher put it, Swift’s endorsement represents not just a personal opinion but a significant force in the electoral process.

Bill Maher’s enthusiastic response to Taylor Swift’s endorsement highlights the growing recognition of celebrity influence in politics. Swift’s ability to drive voter registration and her significant impact on political discourse demonstrate a new era where celebrity endorsements are not just symbolic but potentially transformative in shaping election outcomes.