Jennifer Garner and Stars Hit the Road to Rally Support for Kamala Harris

Post by: Pratik Kumar

Photo : Reuters

At a tearoom in Tucson, Arizona, actor Jennifer Garner delivered a rallying cry to a crowd of "Moms for Harris," warning them to expect more celebrity appearances as the election approaches. Garner playfully noted, "Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington - my colleagues and friends - will be here tomorrow. We're all just going to barnstorm you and drive you nuts," eliciting laughter from the audience.

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The star of *Alias* acknowledged the overwhelming flood of campaign-related communications, saying, "I'm sure everything is a nightmare. You don't even want to turn on the screen," but emphasized the significance of the upcoming November 5 election.

Garner's visit comes at a crucial time, as the race for the presidency heats up between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. Arizona is one of the seven battleground states that will play a pivotal role in determining the election outcome. As part of a broader strategy, celebrity endorsers like Garner are engaging in intensive efforts to mobilize voters ahead of Election Day.

Following her Arizona appearance, Garner continued her campaign efforts in Pennsylvania and has plans to visit Nevada. Political strategists recommend that celebrities connect with voters in places where they have personal ties and discuss issues that resonate with them. During her Tucson stop, Garner was joined by former policy adviser and Ambassador Susan Rice, where she highlighted her personal connection to Arizona by sharing how her parents met there. She praised Harris for her advocacy on issues like child tax credits and higher wages for childcare workers.

Garner is not alone in her efforts; other Hollywood stars are also taking to the campaign trail. Julia Roberts visited her home state of Georgia, where she was introduced by former state Representative Stacey Abrams. Meanwhile, Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda, a prominent advocate for climate action, campaigned door-to-door in Michigan to promote Harris and other candidates focused on climate issues. "I'm doing everything I can," Fonda told potential voters, underscoring her commitment to the cause.

While Hollywood is often seen as a liberal bastion, some celebrities are actively supporting Trump. Actor Dennis Quaid, known for portraying Ronald Reagan in a recent film, spoke at a Trump rally in California, urging attendees to "pick a side." Other Trump supporters from the entertainment industry include musicians Ted Nugent and Kid Rock, who have also lent their voices to Republican causes.

As Hollywood stars engage in the political arena, a key question arises: Do these celebrity endorsements actually make a difference? According to Christian Grose, a political science professor at the University of Southern California's Schwarzenegger Institute, celebrity appearances can amplify messages about voting. He notes that when a celebrity knocks on a door, it generates significant media coverage and social media engagement that extends beyond just that household.

However, the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in translating to higher voter turnout can vary based on several factors, including the celebrity's appeal and the specific context of the campaign. For instance, endorsements from megastars like Oprah Winfrey can lead to substantial voter mobilization; Winfrey's support for Barack Obama in 2007 was credited with driving an estimated 1 million votes during the Democratic primary. Similarly, pop icon Taylor Swift has demonstrated the power of her platform, stimulating thousands of new voter registrations with her recent calls to action and even endorsing Harris in September via an Instagram post that garnered over 11 million likes.

Despite the potential for celebrities to sway public opinion, research suggests that not all endorsements have a significant impact. Mark Harvey, author of *Celebrity Influence: Politics, Persuasion, and Issue-Based Advocacy*, points out that many individuals prefer to keep their entertainment and politics separate. In a study conducted earlier this year, participants who saw Swift's endorsement for Democrats showed a decrease in their intent to vote compared to those who viewed a more general message about voter participation.

Grose acknowledges that outside of the highest echelons of celebrity influence, endorsements from lesser-known stars typically have a marginal effect on voter turnout. However, he cautions that in a close race, every vote counts, and celebrity engagement can still generate enthusiasm and excitement among voters. "I wouldn't put it up there as the most critical part of the campaign," he notes, "but you certainly can mobilize people with enthusiasm and excitement and a little bit of Hollywood pizzazz showing up in places you wouldn't expect."

As the election date approaches, Garner and her fellow stars will continue their efforts to engage voters and energize support for Vice President Harris, highlighting the increasing intersection of entertainment and politics in contemporary campaigns.

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