Commentary: The 2024 American Election Showdown
Ah, welcome, ladies and gentlemen! Strap in, because we’re diving into the melodramatic circus that is the 2024 Republican and Democratic conventions – also known as the ultimate showdown of “who can make the loudest noise without actually saying anything of substance.”
In Milwaukee, we have Donald Trump, the man, the myth, the orange-tinted legend, accepting his party’s nomination to the rousing sound of God Bless The USA. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of flag-waving when you’re trying to win an election? And let’s not forget Hulk Hogan tearing up his T-shirt like a low-budget superhero—because nothing screams “presidential candidate” like impersonating an athlete known for body slams and questionable acting skills.
The Musical Divide: Country vs. Cool
Fast forward a month, and we land in Chicago, where Kamala Harris takes the stage to Beyoncé’s electrifying hit Freedom. Who needs a T-shirt ripping when you can have a song that practically screams empowerment? Democrats bring out the big guns – or rather, the big chords – with a lineup that includes Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift. Because nothing says “I can run your country” quite like a duet from Gen Z’s musical influencers!
And let’s be honest, the musical choices alone tell us everything we need to know about the culture war brewing in America. Trump’s supporters go wild for country music and tired clichés about virility, while the Democrats are riding the wave of current pop culture with Gen Z artists throwing their weight behind Harris. It’s as though America has split into two factions: one dancing with cowboys and the other grooving with the fresh-faced TikTokers. It’s like a musical episode of Bewitched gone wrong!
An America Divided
Here’s the kicker: Alyssa Cass, a strategist out there doing the Lord’s work, reveals just how pronounced this division is. Gen Z artists are like, “Yes, we vote left!” while traditional musicians seem to have hitched their wagons to the likes of good ol’ Trump. It’s as if Miley Cyrus is texting her friends while the country stars are reminiscing about simpler times when they sang about fences and farm equipment.
Cool Factor: Rudeness in a Suit
As our dear friend Joel Dinerstein points out, those who view Trump as a total “cool dude” are clearly on a different wavelength than those who see him as the “least cool man in the world.” But let’s face it, in a world full of Kardashians and TikTok stars, “cool” is ever-changing! If Trump was a solid gold impression of rebelliousness back in 2016, he’s now more like a rusty old penny found in the couch cushions of America.
The Democrats’ strategy of branding Republicans as “weird” may sound surprisingly effective. Who knew that the power of “normal” could be used as a weapon? The party was like, “Look over there! Our opponents are just a bunch of nerds!” Suddenly, they’re scrambling to say, “No, we’re not weird!” Bless, they should get a medal for that one!
Star Power!
Now, let’s talk about the big names courting voters here! Billie Eilish, Bruce Springsteen, and even Zendaya are stepping onto the political stage, and all the while, Karens are clutching their pearls! Is there anything more heart-stopping than watching a 20-something casually change the world while I’m over here figuring out my next meal rotation? Talk about pressure!
When it comes to the election, we’re told that celebrities may sway a few undecided voters, and if history teaches us anything, it’s that that kind of star power can be absolutely electrifying. I mean, if Oprah could sway a million votes in 2008, just imagine what LeBron James could do this time around. The stakes have never been higher, and every vote is like a precious precious drop in an ocean of chaos!
The American Presidential Election: A Recap
- Episode 1: How artists symbolize the divide between the two Americas
- Episode 2: In the United States, the conservative turn of Silicon Valley (released October 17, 2024)
- Episode 3: The fear of protests the day after the election (released October 18, 2024)
Folks, let’s get ready for an election cycle that’ll make last year’s Game of Thrones finale look straight out of a kindergarten play. And as we trudge along this wacky ride, don’t forget to laugh, because in this beautiful mess of democracy, that’s all we really can do!
From our correspondent in the United States
Republican Convention, July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee. Donald Trump accepts his party’s nomination to the sound of God Bless The USAthe very patriotic song by country musician Lee Greenwood. A few minutes earlier, former wrestler Hulk Hogan had taken the stage to deliver a speech in support of the Republican candidate, electrifying the crowd by tearing his T-shirt as he did when he fought.
A month later, the atmosphere is completely different in Chicago for the Democratic convention: Kamala Harris takes the stage to the notes of FreedomBeyoncé’s hit. Stevie Wonder and rapper Lil Jon also made appearances, and Taylor Swift was quick to announce her support for the Democratic candidate a few days later. Country and virilist sports for Donald Trump; rap and current music for Kamala Harris: the contrast is total between the two candidates, including on a cultural level.
Gen Z artists versus traditional musicians
“These respective supports perfectly symbolize the two totally different Americas which vote in opposite ways”enlightens Alyssa Cass. This thirty-year-old is the chief strategist of Blueprint 2024, a research and opinion polling organization. With her team, this year she carried out several surveys on the artistic and cultural support of the two candidates. What emerges is a fairly striking and totally opposite portrait of the two contenders for the White House. « Gen Z artists (Generation Z refers to people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s)who appeal to a young or even very young audience, support left-wing candidates much more widely, while the right-wing party attracts more traditional musicians, and certain categories of sportsmen, such as wrestling, MMA or certain US footballers. Rather violent sports »continues Alyssa Cass.
A part of the United States remains little represented on TV or on the networks
Since the two presidencies of Barack Obama, and even more since Donald Trump took over the Republican Party, “cool” Democratic America has faced a Republican America seen as a bit “has-been”. An opposition bordering on snobbery, and which certainly played a role in the resentment of part of the population, leading to the election of Donald Trump in 2016. The divide is far from having been resolved and part of the United States remains very little represented on TV or on social networks.
“Rudeness in a Suit”
“But if Obama fans see Trump as the least cool man in the world, we must not forget that Trump supporters consider the Republican candidate to be extremely cool, as their hero”tempers Joel Dinerstein, a professor who teaches… “cool” at Tulane University in New Orleans. This author of Origins of Cool defines the concept as the association of three characteristics: “a rebellious attitude, a certain self-confidence and a unique personal style”. “In many ways, Trump was cool in 2016 when he was electedhe continues. What he did at that time is fascinating, whether you like the character or not: he knocked out all his opponents. He was seen as a rebel against conventional wisdom, and that’s exactly what cool is, since his origins among jazz artists in the first half of the 20th century. Donald Trump represented toughness in a suit in a rather bizarre way. He’s kind of lost all that now and I don’t think he can be seen as cool anymore. »
To add to the opposition between the two parties, the Democrats, under the leadership of Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’s running mate, used the term a lot during this campaign. « weird » (weird) against the Republicans. A way to replay the clash between cool and nerdy. “It was completely unexpected and it workedbelieves Joel Dinerstein. The Democrats achieved the desired effect when the Republicans sought to defend themselves from it: “we’re not weird! ”they replied. »
“Know where the dynamic is”
The coolest artists, Billie Eilish for example, or even Bruce Springsteen, unanimously line up behind Kamala Harris. With what consequences for the electorate? “It’s not major, but sometimes these celebrity endorsements help voters see which side of the dynamic is onbelieves Alyssa Cass. These announcements of support can also be an adrenaline boost for campaign volunteers and volunteers. Above all, this year sees enthusiasm among young people being relatively low. With this in mind, messengers who touch them can be useful in getting them to leave their sofa to slip a ballot into the ballot box. »
Blueprint had fun listing the most influential celebrities who have not yet spoken out in favor of either candidate. Actress Zendaya (Dune, Challengers) and the basketball player LeBron James are the two personalities supposed to be capable of convincing the most voters. In this election which is announced by all the polls as extremely close, every vote will count. Researchers estimated that Oprah Winfrey’s support for Barack Obama in 2008 had influenced one million voters. This year, the election will be decided on less than that.
The American presidential election
- Episode 1: how artists symbolize the divide between the two Americas
- Episode 2: in the United States, the conservative turn of Silicon Valley (released October 17, 2024)
- Episode 3: the fear of protests the day after the election (released October 18, 2024)
