▲ In the United States, where politicians have terrible approval ratings, candidates have to turn to figures with greater credibility than them. The Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, has invited big stars to her campaign events. Last Saturday Bruce Springsteen was in Georgia (pictured).Photo Afp
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politics as spectacle or the spectacle as politics? In the final stretch of the electoral contest in the United States, the 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 terrible approval ratings, candidates have to turn to figures with greater credibility than them.
In recent days, the 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 announcements on social networks, in forums and other events, Rubén Blades, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Samuel Jackson, George Clooney and Bad Bunny have joined in support of his candidacy. Other types of stars also announced their support: 82 Nobel Prize winners in Sciences and Economics (including Joseph Stiglitz).
At the Democratic Convention a couple of months ago, figures from the world of art and sports were among the most applauded when lending their celebrity and credibility to the great show politician: Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, actress Kerry Washington, singer Pink, professional basketball superstar Stephen Curry and Olympic basketball team coach Steve Kerr, among others.
In Republican Donald Trump’s campaign, the lower level and number of actors, musicians and athletes who support him is notable. Country musician Lee Greenwood played last night at the rally held at Madison Square Garden, the country’s most famous entertainment and sports venue, where Trump most wanted to present his show (same place where another political mega-spectacle was held that mixed patriotism with fascism 85 years ago, https://www.jornada.com.mx/2024/10/25/mundo/021n1mun). At the Republican convention, the stars They included Kid Rock, and wrestling veteran Hulk Hogan and some second-rate performers.
Trump does not seem to enjoy the broad support of the country’s cultural stars, while he insults those who do not admire him. I hate Taylor Swifthe wrote on social media upon learning, after lying that she supported him, that she extended her support to Harris. Perhaps the reason why there is no cast of superstars 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 show television, like 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 of them, the central issue is bread – that is, the economy and employment – the circus is key. But not only to entertain and distract the masses as before, but now because the circus is more reliable and credible than the show political.
In fact, it was a musician, Frank Zappa, who in the 80s warned that the United States, starting with Reagan, It is heading towards being a fascist theocracy. Maybe, and with a little music and dance (from rebel and supportive musicians), the resistance will defeat that forecast.
Indigo Girls. Uncle John’s Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IxFYHbIGRw
