A recent national survey has unveiled an unexpected twist in the popularity contest between a pop icon and a political figure.
According to The New York Post, a new poll conducted by the New York Times and Siena College shows that Taylor Swift's favorability rating falls short of former President Donald Trump's.
The survey, carried out from September 11-16, 2024, comes in the wake of Swift's endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. The poll results indicate that Trump garnered a 47% favorability score, while Swift trailed behind at 42%. Interestingly, Vice President Harris also outperformed Swift in the favorability ratings, securing a 48% positive view from respondents.
The survey provides a nuanced look at the public perception of these high-profile individuals. While Trump and Harris scored higher in favorability, they also faced more significant negative ratings. Trump was viewed unfavorably by 50% of respondents, with Harris close behind at 48%.
Swift, on the other hand, had a lower unfavorable rating of 34%. Notably, 22% of those surveyed had no opinion about the pop star, indicating a less polarized public stance on her compared to the political figures.
The poll also revealed a stark partisan divide in Swift's popularity. Among Democrats, she enjoyed a 70% favorability rating. This number dropped significantly for independents (41%) and Republicans (23%).
Swift's recent endorsement of Kamala Harris for the presidency has not gone unnoticed in political circles. The pop star took to Instagram on September 10, 2024, to voice her support for Harris, praising her as a "steady-handed, gifted leader."
In her endorsement, Swift highlighted specific policy areas that influenced her decision, including LGBTQ+ rights, abortion rights, and access to IVF. She also expressed approval of Harris's running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for his long-standing support of these issues.
The former president has not remained silent on Swift's political stance. Trump took to social media to express his disapproval, stating bluntly, "I hate Taylor Swift!" This comment came in response to Swift's public support for his political rival.
Trump's campaign has even produced Swift-inspired merchandise, including a shirt that mimics one of her own designs. This move appears to be an attempt to counter Swift's influence among her fan base.
While Swift's overall favorability rating may be lower than Trump's, her influence, particularly among younger voters and Democrats, cannot be discounted. The stark difference in her popularity across party lines underscores the polarized nature of the current political climate.
It's worth noting that despite the lower overall favorability rating, Swift's unfavorable rating is significantly lower than both Trump's and Harris's. This suggests that while she may not be as universally liked, she is also less disliked than the political candidates.
The poll results reveal a complex landscape of public opinion where a pop star's favorability is being measured against political figures. Trump's higher favorability rating comes with a higher unfavorable rating, while Swift maintains a less polarized standing. The impact of celebrity endorsements and the intertwining of entertainment and politics continue to shape the narrative leading up to the 2025 presidential election.
