Do endorsements, such as Mike Myers' "Elbows Up" video featuring Mark Carney, have an impact on voter decision-making?
Fresh Take:
Meet Donovan Vincent, our Star Public Editor based in Toronto. He's the guy to reach out to at publiced@our website.ca or on Twitter: @donovanvincent. Recently, the iconic Neil Young voiced his support for Mark Carney, the Liberal leader, causing quite a commotion here in Canada. In an open letter, Young encouraged Carney to fight for the future of Canada, deeming Carney as the best person to lead the country during trying times.
However, it remains unclear whether celebrity endorsements have a tangible impact on an election's outcome. Aron Darmody, an associate professor of marketing at Carleton University's Sprott School of Business, shed some light on the matter: "There's no consensus among studies, research, or even anecdotal evidence that celebrity endorsements significantly affect the political landscape."
Take the 2024 report from Harvard University's Harvard Kennedy School as an example. Their research reveals that while people may claim they're not swayed by celebrity voices in politics, their influence is quite potent. Celebrity endorsements can boost online voter registration rates, poll worker sign-ups, and overall political engagement.
Young's endorsement of Carney, however, transcends the ordinary. It echoes public statements from other Canadian celebrities, such as Mike Myers and Wayne Gretzky, who have stood up for their country amid tensions with the U.S. Myers and Carney even collaborated on a campaign video promoting Canadian cultural touchstones, expressing their devotion to Canada through the "elbows up" pose – a rallying cry against U.S. encroachment.
Despite the controversy surrounding Gretzky's perceived lack of support, his strong Canadian identity subtly underscored the need for sovereignty in his interview with the Toronto Sun. Darmody contends that such celebrity endorsements help increase politicians' profiles, especially those less known to the public, like Carney, who brings less "personal connection" to the table. Ultimately, it's up to Carney and Young to convert that connection into votes.
Insights:
- Celebrity endorsements can provide increased visibility, credibility, and trust, as well as financial support for political campaigns, but they may also raise ethical concerns and depend heavily on the authenticity of the relationship between the celebrity and the politician.
- Strategically utilizing celebrity endorsements involves alligning with authentic supporters, being transparent in financial transactions, and ensuring that the endorsements serve to present the politician's policies and qualifications rather than solely depending on them for visibility.
- The impact of celebrity endorsements on the political outcome has not been conclusively proven, but they can significantly boost a politician's profile, particularly if they are lesser-known or have a shorter track record in politics.
- In Toronto, Donovan Vincent, our Star Public Editor, can be contacted at publiced@our website.ca or on Twitter: @donovanvincent.
- Neil Young's endorsement of Mark Carney, the Liberal leader, caused a stir in Canada recently, as he encouraged Carney to fight for the future of the country.
- Aron Darmody, an associate professor of marketing at Carleton University's Sprott School of Business, suggested that celebrity endorsements' impact on political outcomes is uncertain.
- Harvard University's Harvard Kennedy School's 2024 report revealed that celebrity endorsements can boost online voter registration rates, poll worker sign-ups, and political engagement, even though people might claim they are not swayed by celebrity voices in politics.
- Mike Myers and Wayne Gretzky, like Neil Young, have shown their support for Canada amid tensions with the U.S., with Gretzky's strong Canadian identity emphasizing the need for sovereignty.
- Celebrity endorsements can offer increased visibility, credibility, and trust, as well as financial support for political campaigns, but they may raise ethical concerns and depend on the authenticity of the relationship between the celebrity and the politician.
- Strategically utilizing celebrity endorsements involves aligning with authentic supporters, being transparent in financial transactions, and ensuring that the endorsements serve to present the politician's policies and qualifications rather than relying on them for visibility.
- Despite the controversy surrounding Gretzky's perceived lack of support, his interview with the Toronto Sun subtly underscored the need for Carney and other politicians' credibility in the eyes of Canadians.
- Ultimately, the success of a politician like Carney in converting celebrity endorsements into votes hinges on their ability to effectively present their policies and build personal connections with voters.
