Amid the 2024 U.S. presidential election, there are three key figures — one of whom happens to be a pop icon.

As Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump engage in large rallies that dominate headlines, Taylor Swift, a significant figure in the music industry, is igniting discussions about the connection between politics and pop culture.

Fans of Swift, referred to as “Swifties,” are now mulling over whether the Pennsylvania-born artist will support a candidate in the upcoming presidential election as Harris and Trump squabble over their debate scheduled for Sept. 10.

This ongoing discussion has sparked new inquiries in Hollywood and other spheres about the responsibilities of celebrities to their fans. Experts are now examining the lines between fans and top stars, along with the reasons behind the interest in Swift’s potential endorsement.

What Experts Say About the Desire for Taylor Swift’s Endorsement

Having been in the limelight for almost two decades since her debut album in 2006, Swift has generally steered clear of polarizing issues.

She made a notable lyrical shift in her 2017 album “Reputation,” where she began expressing herself more candidly. Earlier this year, in her song “I Hate It Here,” Swift touched on racial topics, though her lyrics — expressing a wish to live in the 1830s “without all the racists” — drew criticism.

In her political engagements, Swift has publicly endorsed a few candidates over the years, including Phil Bredesen for the 2018 Tennessee Senate race, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, and Joe Biden in the 2020 election. This leads to the question: why do people, especially fans, want Swift to take a clear political stance? An Emerson College professor, Kristin Lieb, argues it reflects blurred boundaries between fans and celebrities.

Lieb explains that “knowing whom someone supports politically is very personal.” She highlights that in society, it’s common to avoid political discussions in casual settings, but celebrities are often pressured to disclose personal stances to fans.

Supporting this sentiment, cultural critic and University of Kentucky professor Aria Halliday remarks, “We don’t expect regular people to share their private matters publicly, so we shouldn’t impose that on celebrities either.”

Experts Discuss the Demand for Swift’s Endorsement

Scholars in branding and psychology are questioning the complexities of fan dynamics, particularly regarding highly influential celebrities like Swift.

Alexandra Wormley, a social psychologist from the University of Michigan, has generated interest for her course that looks at the psychology behind Swift’s stardom. In a communication with YSL News, Wormley noted that this obsessive interest in celebrity endorsements stems from “parasocial relationships,” which she describes as one-sided connections we form with public figures.

She elaborates, stating, “When celebrities share content online, it creates a sense of friendship, especially when they post relatable or genuine material. Fans often expect accountability from those they see as friends,” resulting in celebrity criticism.

Stephanie Burt, a literary critic and Harvard lecturer who teaches about Swift, also links the desire for endorsements to these parasocial connections, portraying a mutual relationship between Swift and her audience.

“Many fans would like to see Kamala succeed and Trump fail, believing Swift’s endorsement could influence that outcome,” Burt explained, adding that in these parasocial dynamics, “we want our friends to support what we value.”

Taylor Swift’s Past Endorsements of Biden-Harris in 2020 Election

Burt’s insights coincide with fans urging for an endorsement from Swift, a sentiment shared by the candidates as well. While factions such as “Swifties for Trump” and “Swifties for Kamala” emerge. Trump is also becoming part of the conversation.

In August, Trump posted various AI-generated images on Truth Social that appeared to suggest Taylor Swift and her fans, known as Swifties, were supporting his campaign, even though the singer has publicly criticized him in the past.

One of the AI images depicted Swift dressed as Uncle Sam, with the caption, “Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump.” Another AI-generated image, labeled as satire, claimed, “Swifties turning to Trump after ISIS foiled Taylor Swift concert.” This latter image referred to a thwarted terrorist plot concerning Swift’s concert in Vienna that month, which Austrian officials, supported by U.S. authorities, successfully intercepted.

However, in 2020, Swift clearly picked a side and did not choose “Trump.” On October 7, 2020, just a month before the election, she publicly endorsed Biden. She posted a photo on Twitter of Biden-Harris cookies she had made, stating, “I’ll be watching and supporting @KamalaHarris with lots of yelling at the TV. Plus, I have custom cookies!” in reference to the vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence.

In a 2020 V Magazine interview, Swift, then 30, expressed, “I will proudly vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris this presidential election. I believe their leadership gives America a chance for the healing it desperately needs.”

Experts say fan documentaries and personal sharing are blurring boundaries

Documentaries such as Swift’s Netflix feature “Miss Americana,” which chronicled her struggles following a conflict with Kim Kardashian and Ye (formerly Kanye West), delved into personal themes, including her political endorsement during the 2018 Senate race in Tennessee. Experts like Lieb point out that this level of intimacy can foster an unrealistic bond, leading fans to overstep personal boundaries.

“When artists share so much of themselves, their brand and personal identity blur together. So, in these documentaries or interviews seeking deeper revelations, what’s actually being sold is akin to their essence,” Lieb remarked to YSL News.

She added, “That’s not something that should ever be commodified.”

Swift has built a billion-dollar brand, but experts assert that even high-profile musicians have limits to their availability.

“Fans connect with her because of her resilience and ongoing self-reflection reflected in her music,” Lieb noted. “However, that doesn’t mean she’s inviting everyone into her personal life. It might come across that way, but it’s a carefully crafted image.”

Contributors: Kofi Mframa, Cydney Henderson