Beyoncé’s anticipated appearance alongside Vice President Kamala Harris at a Houston rally has many scratching their heads and rolling their eyes. It seems the Democratic party is pulling out all the stops, bringing in musical megastars to pump up their support. After all, when you can’t win hearts and minds through policy, why not try to win them through pop songs? The Queen Bey is merely the latest in a line of musical heavyweights—including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and Eminem—who seem to think a catchy chorus can replace rational discourse.
Interestingly, despite this star-studded lineup, polls indicate that former President Donald Trump is on track to claim Texas in a landslide come Election Day. It appears the Democrats are attempting to peel back some of that solid red state hue by aligning with celebrity elites who may have lost touch with everyday Americans. The race for the Senate seat, however, promises to be more competitive, with Republican incumbent Ted Cruz facing off against Democratic challenger Colin Allred, a former pro football player whose chances of an upset seem as slim as a piece of paper in a windstorm.
Beyoncé’s Houston roots are being touted as a significant factor, with her song “Freedom” reportedly serving as a campaign anthem for Harris. This begs the question: How effective is a pop star’s endorsement, especially from someone who primarily moves crowds through music rather than politics? While Beyoncé has her fair share of accolades, including a record 32 Grammy wins, it’s worth noting that her political credibility is as shaky as a high-note gone wrong. She has performed for Barack Obama and appeared at a Hillary Clinton rally, yet enthusiasm among regular folks doesn’t always translate from the concert stage to the voting booth.
The singer's support follows a Harris endorsement from the other female titan of the pop world — Taylor Swift — and campaign appearances from Bruce Springsteen and Eminem. https://t.co/519NMFnTqq
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 25, 2024
In the meantime, Mr. Trump isn’t twiddling his thumbs while Harris takes the stage. He is slated to visit Texas on the same day to record a podcast with Joe Rogan, a personality who connects with a younger, more free-thinking audience. While pop stars may have their sway, it’s the relatable figures from places like Rogan’s niche that may resonate more with the average voter, who may not want to take political advice from someone who possesses more glitter than grit.
The contrast here is striking: an A-list musician with a penchant for glamorous lifestyles against a former president with a diverse set of celebrity supporters including Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock, and Danica Patrick. Perhaps this highlights a political divide that runs deeper than mere party lines; it showcases a cultural schism where one side gears up with glitz and glamour, while the other rallies around real-life experiences and values that resonate with everyday Americans. So, while Beyoncé and Harris are readying themselves for the spotlight, many Texans—and Americans, for that matter—may just choose to focus on the real issues at hand.