David Powell
Updated on: October 10, 2024 9:02 pm GMT
In a notable shift from her previous silence regarding political endorsements, Martha Stewart has publicly declared her support for Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The 83-year-old lifestyle icon made her endorsement known during the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum, revealing her intention to watch the evening’s debate between Harris and Donald Trump.
Martha Stewart’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris
Stewart’s endorsement comes as a surprise, particularly given her previous reticence in the political arena. In 2020, the celebrated entrepreneur chose not to publicly endorse a candidate, stating the potential repercussions of taking sides in a politically divided landscape. During her recent appearance at the forum, however, she clearly expressed her preference, emphasizing her heightened interest in Harris’s performance in the upcoming debate. “Oh, you bet,” Stewart responded when asked if she would be tuning in, adding with emphasis, “Kamala,” confirming her support for the Vice President.
Reasons for Support
Stewart explained her rationale for endorsing Harris, arguing for a candidate who appreciates New York and upholds democratic values. “I want a president who doesn’t hate New York and doesn’t hate democracy,” she stated during a conversation with Joanna Coles, Chief Creative and Content Officer of The Daily Beast. This sentiment resonates particularly well amid ongoing discussions about civic engagement and governance in the wake of the previous administration.
Background and Previous Political Activities
Martha Stewart is no stranger to political discourse. She has previously vocalized her criticisms of Trump dating back to their concurrent runs on reality television. Their contentious relationship was underscored in 2006 when Stewart accused Trump of undermining her show, stating that the situation was “unfair” to both parties involved. Trump’s public response included accusations of dishonesty and a call for Stewart to take responsibility for her show’s ratings decline.
In 2016, Stewart further demonstrated her political leanings by supporting Hillary Clinton, expressing concerns about Trump’s qualifications. “We just can’t have a country run by someone who is totally unprepared for what comes,” she told CNN at the time. Despite this, she took a more conciliatory tone after Trump’s election, expressing optimism about having an entrepreneur in the White House.
Political Silence and Sudden Engagement
Stewart’s silence during the 2020 election cycle raised eyebrows as she deflected questions regarding endorsements. She articulated a struggle over whether to show political bias while being cognizant of her audience’s diversity. “It’s difficult… how do you take sides when 50 percent of your readers might be on one side and 50 percent on the other?” she questioned in an interview with The New York Times.
Despite her complex feelings about political engagement, Stewart’s recent acknowledgment of her support for Harris indicates a willingness to step into the political discourse, albeit cautiously. She acknowledged the fragility of this position by stating that discussing politics could cost her a significant portion of her audience.
Impact of Other Endorsements
Stewart’s announcement aligns her with a growing list of celebrities endorsing Kamala Harris for the presidency. Notable figures including Taylor Swift and Linda Ronstadt have recently voiced their support for Harris, reflecting a broader trend among influential public personalities actively engaging in the political landscape. Such endorsements may be pivotal in galvanizing voter interest and shaping public opinion ahead of the election.
Future Political Engagement
Though she has broken her political silence to some extent, Stewart remains cautious about future public comments regarding politics. “I’m not allowed to talk [about politics]… you can’t talk [about that], so—keep it quiet,” she asserted. This sentiment underscores the challenges faced by public figures who navigate personal beliefs, business interests, and a multifaceted audience while participating in electoral politics.
As the 2024 election campaign progresses, it will be interesting to see how Stewart’s endorsement influences her followers and the broader discourse surrounding the election. Policymakers and voters alike will undoubtedly be watching as the debates unfold and as prominent figures like Stewart express their political preferences.
Martha Stewart has shared her support for a candidate, and there are many interesting updates in the political world right now.
