Taylor Swift Endorsement of Harris is Historic, but Sinatra Recalled for Backing Reagan

Posted on: September 12, 2024, 10:18h. 

Last updated on: September 13, 2024, 09:39h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Much has been made this week of pop singer Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris. But she’s not the only celebrity to gain attention for a presidential endorsement.

Ronald Reagan and Frank Sinatra
Ronald Reagan, left, and Frank Sinatra, pictured above. Sinatra repeatedly endorsed Reagan for political office. The endorsements came to mind this week after Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris. (Image: Sotheby’s)

None other than Las Vegas legend Frank Sinatra announced multiple endorsements of Ronald Reagan throughout the 20th century, including during Reagan’s campaign for governor of California and later, during his run for the US presidency.

Sinatra, who was well known for his unabashed support for Democrat John Kennedy in the 1960s, also became co-chairman of the Californians for Reagan organization when Reagan, a Republican, was running for governor in 1970.

Ten years later, Sinatra and fellow Las Vegas headliner Dean Martin were at Reagan’s side when he officially announced his presidential run.

Other Celebrity Endorsements

While some believe he was an official supporter of the 37th president, it’s misleading to say Las Vegas legend Elvis Presley ever endorsed President Richard Nixon.

The myth started after Elvis posed with Nixon for a photo during a White House visit in 1970. He asked the president for a meeting and requested a badge to be a federal agent.

A truly historic celebrity endorsement took place much later when Oprah Winfrey announced her backing of Barack Obama in 2008. Oprah’s backing helped push forward his presidential campaign. Similarly, this week’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris by pop superstar Taylor Swift generated significant attention and may impact the race.

“Taylor Swift’s post-debate endorsement of Harris … will certainly move the needle given her influence/fan base. Indeed, I do not think it is an overstatement to say that Swift’s endorsement is the most consequential celebrity endorsement in political history,” Robert Jarvis, a professor at the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center and gambling law expert, told Casino.org

Swift’s Support

Shortly after Tuesday’s debate, Swift announced in her online post, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.”

I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz …”

It was also revealed on Thursday that Americans won’t see another debate between Trump and Harris. Harris’ campaign wants one, but Trump said no.

Trump said he won this week’s debate though many observers said Harris was the victor. Trump and his supporters also bashed the ABC news anchors who moderated the debate for allegedly being biased in favor of Harris.