The political impact of celebrity advertising
For decades, political candidates have sought celebrity endorsements to gain fame and big donations. The entertainment industry values this connection, which gives them the impression that they take important issues seriously. But today, when it is crucial for candidates to connect with American voters, is star power still part of a winning strategy?
For decades, political candidates have sought celebrity endorsements to gain fame and raise big donations. And entertainers also value this connection, which gives them the impression that they take important issues seriously.
With it now crucial for candidates to connect with American voters, the question arises whether celebrity popularity is still part of a winning strategy.
The relationship between hip-hop and politics
Hip-hop and politics have an interesting relationship. Rapper megastar Lil Wayne supported former President Trump and was pardoned by him for a gun conviction. Another Trump supporter, rapper Kodak Black, was also pardoned.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16: Hip hop artist Lil Wayne attends the launch party for Emmanuel Acho’s new book “ILLOGICAL” in Los Angeles, California on March 16, 2022. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama has embraced hip-hop, quoting Jay-Z lyrics to audiences and releasing his playlists that featured Nas and Method Man. Before artists commit to candidates, they need to do their research so it doesn’t backfire, says Chuck Creekmur, CEO of Allhiphop.com.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: Jay-Z attends the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording
“I definitely think there is untapped opportunity for hip-hop artists because this culture is deeply rooted in the community and is focused on speaking truth to power. I think there is a certain level of rebelliousness among young people,” Creekmur said.
Celebrities and politics
Sometimes celebrities go into politics. Former President Ronald Reagan was a movie star before his two terms in the White House.
At the local level, Newark City Council member Dupre Kelly was part of the hip-hop group Lords of the Underground.
However, it is far more common for celebrities to support a political party and its candidates, such as George Clooney and Beyoncé for the Democrats and Kid Rock and influencer Amber Rose for the Republicans.
Celebrities lend credibility and, above all – in a crowded media landscape – influence, says Prof. Micah Rasmussen of Ryder University.
“Some stars have such a connection with their fan base. So when stars say, ‘It’s really important for you to register to vote, it’s really important for you to vote this year,’ then fans listen to those people. For politicians or candidates, that’s an important connection with that audience that they wouldn’t necessarily have otherwise,” Rasmussen said.
Political experts from all walks of life have predicted that the 2024 political race will be very close, so the search is now on to find new voting groups. Young voters are at the center of this. But reaching them will require non-traditional social media approaches, says New York Post lifestyle reporter Asia Grace.
“I think this will be a lot more conversational because now we have a glimpse into the lives of our favorite stars. They could put on makeup, do a ‘Get Ready with Me’ video and talk to us about how they feel and what they want out of this election,” Grace said.
