Kaylah Walton
Bethenny Frankel, a former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City, has criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for depending too much on celebrity endorsements in her 2024 presidential campaign. Frankel believes this strategy isolates average voters and might have led to Harris‘ defeat against Donald Trump.
Frankel expressed her perspective through an honest video on Instagram, saying, “I truly don’t think partnering with celebrities is beneficial. The general public isn’t interested in celebrities working with candidates; it may be appealing, but it lacks real impact.”
The 54-year-old SkinnyGirl entrepreneur also highlighted the elitist mindset prevalent in celebrity culture. She remarked, “I’ve encountered many individuals who think their wealth or education enhances the validity of their vote, but that’s not how it operates.”
Frankel’s remarks ignited a broader discussion, with many people agreeing that Harris‘ events featuring celebrities seemed disconnected from voters grappling with pressing problems like inflation and increasing housing costs.
Impact of Celebrity Endorsements
Despite getting backing from major celebrities such as Taylor Swift,Beyoncé, and Cardi B—who together have an enormous social media following of over 2 billion—Harris’ campaign failed to convert online excitement into actual voter turnout. Highly publicized events featuring performances by Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and motivational speeches from figures like Beyoncé did not yield significant support, as noted by Frankel.
“Celebrity endorsements have diminished in effectiveness,” she stated. “They’re just a show, a pose, and don’t yield real results.
Public reactions on social media echoed Frankel’s observations. Remarks such as “People struggling financially don’t seek guidance from wealthy celebrities” revealed a widening gap between political campaigns and the reality of average voters.
Consequences of Harris’ Campaign
Harris admitted defeat during her address at Howard University, thanking her supporters but not commenting on her campaign’s reliance on celebrity endorsements. In contrast, Trump achieved a total of 295 electoral votes alongside a significant popular vote, reaffirming his triumph.
Frankel’s critique prompts a reevaluation of the role of celebrity endorsements in politics today. As the concerns of voters evolve, candidates might need to strategize on engaging with constituents in a manner that goes beyond the allure of Hollywood.
