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Contrasting Campaign Strategies in the 2024 Presidential Race
This past Sunday showcased a vivid contrast in the ongoing 2024 presidential campaign: Vice President Kamala Harris celebrated her 60th birthday with a special performance by Stevie Wonder in Georgia, while former President Donald Trump engaged with patrons at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Pennsylvania.
The Role of Celebrity Endorsements
Since launching her campaign over the summer, Harris has attracted significant celebrity support, particularly as early voting begins across key battleground states.
Georgia has emerged as a focal point for this star-studded backing, witnessing numerous high-profile appearances aimed at energizing voters.
A Critical Battleground State
The stakes are high for both campaigns as they seek to galvanize support in Georgia—a state that President Biden narrowly won by less than one percentage point in the previous election cycle. Success here will likely hinge on securing votes from Black communities and middle-class suburban residents surrounding Atlanta.
Trump’s Outreach to Working-Class Voters
In an effort to connect with working-class voters, Trump took to serving french fries at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s on Sunday, simultaneously criticizing Harris for allegedly misrepresenting her past experience at fast-food establishments. “I’ve now worked for 15 minutes more than Kamala at McDonald’s,” he quipped while handing out orders through the drive-thru window.
Celebrities Rallying Behind Harris
Harris’s strategy appears heavily reliant on engaging Hollywood figures to attract voters. Prior to Wonder’s performance, notable artists like Meghan Thee Stallion and Usher made appearances during rallies across Georgia.
Additonally, music legend John Legend participated in an event designed specifically to engage younger voters earlier this September according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts also returned to her hometown of Smyrna, Georgia, lending her voice and presence to support Harris’s campaign efforts.
The Importance of Celebrity Influence Across States
The influx of celebrities into Georgia underscores its pivotal role in this election cycle; however, it is not alone—Harris has garnered attention from stars nationwide including Bon Iver performing for her campaign events in Wisconsin and Lizzo making an appearance in Detroit alongside actress Jennifer Garner hosting gatherings in Arizona.
A Record-Breaking Turnout Ahead of Election Day
This year marks unprecedented voter engagement within Georgia itself; reports indicate that over 1.4 million early and absentee ballots have already been cast—setting new records for voter turnout rates.
A Shift Towards Celebrity Support Dynamics
While celebrity endorsements are not new within presidential campaigns, it is noteworthy that Harris appears to be receiving more prominent public backing from Hollywood compared to Trump’s supporters thus far.
Trump’s endorsements include NASCAR driver Danica Patrick alongside his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) during events held in North Carolina; actor Dennis Quaid advocating for him during California engagements; Grammy winner Kanye “Ye” West; and country artist Jason Aldean among others.
Conversely, notable figures supporting Harris include Bruce Springsteen along with pop icons Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish who have also rallied behind her candidacy.
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