CBS News has announced that Beyoncé will join Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Houston, Texas, her hometown, this Friday, citing an insider. This event is especially important given that it happens just 11 days before the November 5 election.
Harris has frequently played Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” at political gatherings, despite the fact that she has been notably absent from the political scene. She did not appear at the Democratic National Convention in August, despite rumors before that she would perform for Harris.
Colin Allred, the Democratic candidate for Texas Senate, will also be attending the event on Friday. Country music icon Willie Nelson and Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, will both make appearances at the event.
Beyoncé has previously supported Democratic presidential contenders on frequently. She and her partner, Jay-Z, gave a performance at a Hillary Clinton event in 2016. Over the years, she has backed prominent Democrats, including Beto O’Rourke in his 2018 campaign for the Texas Senate seat, Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, and Joe Biden in 2020.
Harris has also received support from a number of well-known musicians, including Taylor Swift, Eminem, Cher, Bruce Springsteen, Lizzo, Marc Anthony, and Neil Young, as well as from several actors and artists.
Actor Jon Voight, chef Paula Deen, former NFL player Brett Favre, singer Kid Rock, musician Kanye West, Tesla owner Elon Musk, and former IndyCar driver Danica Patrick have all endorsed former President Donald Trump.
Celebrity endorsements have the power to greatly influence political campaigns by encouraging supporters and boosting turnout. Celebrities are “among the most well-positioned people in society” to deal with issues that contribute to voter indifference, such as “lack of information, insufficient trust, and lack of motivation,” according to Ashley Spillane, author of a Harvard Kennedy School study on the impact of celebrity influence on voter registration.
However, there are differences in how effective celebrity endorsements can be. For example, following Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris, a Quinnipiac University survey found that 13% of respondents felt less passionate about Harris’s candidacy, while 9% said they were more enthusiastic.
The fact that endorsements may encourage some voters while discouraging others shows the complicated nature of celebrity power in politics. The influence that these endorsements have on public opinion and voter turnout could be significant as the election draws closer.
Beyoncé’s planned appearance at the rally marks a significant turning point in the campaign and might increase Harris’s exposure as they aim to reach voters before the crucial election day.
