ELECTIONS

Could celebrity endorsements make a difference in this year’s election?

Aug 22, 2024, 5:00 PM

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan makes a celebrity endorsement....

Professional entertainer and wrestler Hulk Hogan speaks on stage on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — Celebrity endorsements could play a bigger role in this year’s presidential election, thanks to social media.

From pop stars like Charli XCX to wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan, many celebrities are taking a stand and endorsing a presidential candidate.

Kelly Patterson, a political science professor at Brigham Young University, said celebrity endorsements help people who don’t have enough information to make a decision on their own.

A celebrity endorsement isn’t going to make or break a candidate, but it can send a quick message to a lot of people. If a voter admires or agrees with a celebrity’s previous takes or values, it can help push them toward the candidate of their choice.

It can also have the opposite effect, Patterson said. If a celebrity who is under some controversy endorses a candidate, it can drive voters away from that candidate.

“It sends signals to those people who would potentially support, and it sends signals to people who would potentially oppose. In both cases, what celebrity endorsements often do is simply reinforce the disposition that voters have,” Patterson said.

For someone who has a strong tie to their party, an endorsement won’t change their mind. However, for someone who is unsure, it can determine their vote.

Celebrity endorsements have also led to an increase in fake and AI-generated endorsements.

That only means one thing. Endorsements do matter.

Patterson said if endorsements didn’t matter, people wouldn’t be making fake ones.

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections

(Ada County Clerks office) A county in Idaho is making all ballots public....

Alexandrea Bonilla

Idaho county publishing all of their 2024 ballots

A county in Idaho is making all ballots public. The clerk says it's an effort to be more transparent about the elections process.

3 months ago

The census-designated place, Eden in Weber County, will be turned into a new Utah city known as Ogd...

MIKE ANDERSON, KSL TV

Local input needed as Ogden Valley on path to become Utah’s newest city

People in the Ogden Valley have a little over a year to draw districts and elect a mayor and city council before the area becomes a new city.

3 months ago

The Utah County Clerk is defending his decision to disclose the voting method of several lawmakers....

Alexandrea Bonilla

Utah County Clerk defends decision to disclose voting method used by several lawmakers

The Utah County Clerk is defending how he decided to look at the voting method several lawmakers used to vote.

3 months ago

An election worker delivers ballots to the ballot processing room at the Maricopa County Tabulation...

Eric Cabrera

Utah ballot bill addressing postmark deadlines fails to advance

The ballot bill would have prevented counting mail-in ballots that arrive after polls close on Election Day.

3 months ago

vote tracking proposed law...

Don Brinkerhoff

Proposed bill would prevent people from tracking the method voters use to vote

A proposed Utah bill would prevent people from looking into what method someone used to cast their ballot when putting in their vote.

3 months ago

Annabelle Johnson votes at the Salt Lake County Government Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov...

Brigham Tomco, Deseret News

The future of Utah elections

Utah lawmakers are planning significant electoral reforms in the upcoming legislative session after the 2024 election cycle.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Could celebrity endorsements make a difference in this year’s election?