TLDR:
- Beyoncé will join Harris at Houston rally Friday alongside Tina Knowles and Willie Nelson
- Trump will appear on Joe Rogan’s podcast the same day
- Harris campaign focuses on abortion rights as a key issue in Texas
- Trump and Harris both accused of “preaching to their base” with celebrity appearances
- Many high-profile celebrities have endorsed both candidates, with Harris receiving notably more entertainment industry support
Both US election candidates are leveraging celebrity influence to reach voters, with competing events scheduled in Texas on Friday. Vice President Kamala Harris has secured an appearance with global superstar Beyoncé at a Houston rally focused on abortion rights, while former President Donald Trump is set to appear on Joe Rogan’s widely-followed podcast.
The Harris campaign has confirmed that Beyoncé will perform at the Houston event, where she’ll be joined by her mother Tina Knowles and country music legend Willie Nelson. The rally will spotlight abortion rights, featuring testimonies from women who have faced medical complications due to restricted access to reproductive healthcare.
Celebrity endorsements have played a substantial role in both campaigns, though Harris has garnered more support from the entertainment industry. Major figures backing Harris include Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, and Bruce Springsteen. The campaign has notably received permission to use Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” as its anthem.
Trump’s celebrity supporters include UFC President Dana White, actors Dennis Quaid and Jon Voight, and musicians Kid Rock and Jason Aldean.
His upcoming appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, which boasts 14.5 million Spotify followers and 17.5 million YouTube subscribers, aims to reach younger male voters who may feel disconnected from traditional politics.
The Texas events highlight different campaign strategies, with Harris focusing on abortion rights in a traditionally Republican state. Since Texas implemented strict abortion restrictions following the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade, the state has seen increases in maternal mortality and infant death rates, according to recent studies.
Political analysts suggest these celebrity appearances may have limited impact on swaying undecided voters. Todd Landman, a Political Science Professor at the University of Nottingham, predicts Beyoncé’s appearance might have minimal effect in Texas but could boost Harris’s support in battleground states.
Sports figures have also taken sides in the race. Harris has received endorsements from NBA figures including Magic Johnson and Steve Kerr, while Trump has support from former athletes like Mike Tyson and several Pittsburgh Steelers alumni.
Both campaigns face unique challenges. Harris’s campaign declined an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast citing scheduling conflicts, while Trump’s celebrity strategy appears focused on reinforcing his existing base rather than expanding it.
The business community shows divided support. Harris has backing from billionaires Mark Cuban and Bill Gates, while Trump maintains support from figures like Elon Musk and Steve Wynn.
In the entertainment sector, Harris continues to receive broad support from Hollywood, with endorsements from directors Ken Burns and Spike Lee, along with numerous actors and musicians. Trump’s entertainment industry support remains more limited but includes some vocal advocates.
The timing of these events is strategic, occurring in the final stretch before the election. Both campaigns are working to energize their base voters while attempting to reach new audiences through celebrity influence.
Recent polls indicate close races in several key states, making voter turnout crucial. Celebrity endorsements and appearances are seen as tools to drive voter engagement, particularly among younger demographics.
The contrast between the two Texas events – Harris’s abortion rights rally with Beyoncé and Trump’s podcast appearance with Rogan – underscores the different voter demographics each campaign is targeting in the final weeks before the election.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support
