By David Brooks on October 30, 2024
Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has been inviting big stars to her campaign events like Bruce Springsteen. photo: Afp
Politics as spectacle or spectacle as politics? In the final stretch of the electoral race in the United States, spectacle prevails, but not only as manipulation, but in response to a reality: in this country, where politicians and democratic institutions -from Congress, the presidency, the courts and even the media- have dismal approval ratings, candidates have to resort to figures with greater credibility than themselves.
In recent days, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has invited a whole cast of superstars to her campaign events, including some of the most famous figures of the moment, starting with Beyonce (who accompanied her in Houston this week, and whose song Freedom is the official anthem of the Democrat’s campaign) and at another event on Saturday, The Boss – not Barack Obama, who was also there – but Bruce Springsteen. Others who have accompanied Harris in recent days are the legendary Willie Nelson and next week Los Tigres del Norte and Maná are already announced in two of the key states, Nevada and Arizona, where the Latino vote is decisive. One of the biggest prizes for the Harris campaign was the endorsement a few weeks ago of Taylor Swift, a major force with her millions of followers. In social media announcements, forums and other events, Ruben Blades, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Samuel Jackson, George Clooney and Bad Bunny have joined in support of her candidacy. Other stars have also announced their support: 82 Nobel Prize winners in Science and Economics (among them Joseph Stiglitz).
At the Democratic Convention a couple of months ago, figures from the world of art and sports were among the most applauded for lending their celebrity and credibility to the great political show: Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, actress Kerry Washington, singer Pink, professional basketball superstar Stephen Curry and Olympic basketball coach Steve Kerr, among others.
Notable in Republican Donald Trump’s campaign is the lower level and number of actors, musicians and athletes who support him. Country musician Lee Greenwood played last night at the rally held at Madison Square Garden, the country’s most famous entertainment and sports forum, where Trump most wanted to present his show (same venue where another political mega-show that mixed patriotism with fascism was held 85 years ago). At the Republican convention, stars included Kid Rock, and wrestling veteran Hulk Hogan and some second-tier entertainers.
Trump does not seem to enjoy the broad support of the country’s cultural stars, while insulting those who do not admire him. I hate Taylor Swift, he wrote on social media upon learning, after lying that she endorsed him, that she extended her support to Harris. Perhaps the reason there is no superstar cast at Republican events to compete with the Democrats is not only that Hollywood, Broadway and the music world is liberal and even progressive, but that the candidate considers himself the only superstar. It is worth remembering that his national fame comes not from his political career, but from the world of reality television shows, such as the successful The Apprentice.
Stars are much more trusted and respected by the public than politicians. And that is why, although in this election, as in almost all, the central issue is bread – that is, the economy and jobs – the circus is key. But no longer just to entertain and distract the masses as before, but now because the circus is more reliable and credible than the political show.
In fact, it was a musician, Frank Zappa, who in the 1980s warned that the United States, starting with Reagan, is heading towards a fascist theocracy. Perhaps, and with a little music and dance (from rebellious and supportive musicians), the resistance will defeat that prognosis.
Source: La Jornada, translation Resumen Latinoamericano – English