Despite being at odds, the ghost of Margaret Thatcher looms over Kamala Harris. Donald Trump mocks the comparison with the former British Prime Minister and suggests that she should start by emulating her seriousness. Are we still like this? 45 years have passed since she took office and female presidential role models are still scarce, non-existent in the United States.
Now what really concerns us is whether Kamala Harris is qualified to govern the United States. At least, if she loses on November 5, the Democrats cannot blame misogyny, as they did with Hillary Clinton in 2016, given that there are more women registered to vote than men. What also sets her apart from her predecessor is avoiding the rhetoric of the glass ceiling. "Kamala is tapping into a different aspect than Hillary, more about strength, freedom, power, and 'I am here and I can do it.' Hillary emphasized too much the message that it's time for a woman to govern and that didn't convince and still doesn't," explains Carolina San Miguel, political consultant and expert in personal branding and political marketing.
This shift is another gesture she shares with Thatcher, Merkel and Meloni, besides that obligatory hybrid of feminine charm and toughness, currently only visible in her attire or in her penchant for sharing family anecdotes.
Fashion Politics and Star System Support
Stylistically, Harris has found her armor in the sober-toned pantsuit, perfectly tailored and powerful. A classic already successfully worn by Angela Merkel. Her characteristic double-strand pearl necklace provides a feminine counterpoint that the power elites demand from an alpha leader. She must exude strength, resilience, and a hint of cunning, but without losing attractiveness and those other stereotypically feminine attributes, like emotionality and charm.
Her main support comes from the unwavering support of celebrities and the speed at which the Hollywood star system greased its machinery. This industry, a dream factory and the most skillful disseminator of left-wing narratives, remains powerful and immensely wealthy. Personalities from culture, politics, entertainment, and social media have come together to propel Kamala with the energy of a rocket.
Among them, George Clooney, who used his seductive tactics to leave Biden sitting on a stool and redirect his fundraising capacity towards the vice president; or Barbra Streisand, drawn to her promise to fight for reproductive rights, the Democratic euphemism for abortion.
The list is endless and includes personalities as diverse as Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, Robert de Niro, Spanish chef José Andrés, Shonda Rhimes, the Obamas, the Clintons, Jane Fonda, Matt Damon, Anna Wintour, or Cynthia Nixon. Beyoncé had not publicly endorsed until the last minute, but she surprised on October 25 when she took the stage at the Houston rally: "I'm not here as a celebrity, I'm here as a mother," she said. Much earlier, however, she had authorized her song Freedom for a campaign video.
(Famous) Youth Wants Kamala Harris
Even younger artists, like rapper Cardi B, have taken it upon themselves to bring Harris closer to their followers. The first was British pop artist Charli XCX, who tweeted "Kamala is a badass," a nod that Harris' team used to change the background photo on her X account to "badass green." Pop star Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas recorded a video announcing their vote for the Democratic candidate "because she is fighting to protect our reproductive freedom, our planet, and our democracy."
The surprise came from Taylor Swift, who showed her support for Harris after the debate with Trump by posing for her 283 million Instagram followers. "The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth. I will cast my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz," she wrote alongside a photo holding a cat. And she added the feline jab that went viral: "With love and hope, Taylor Swift, the childless cat lady." Just an hour later, the Democratic candidate's team put friendship bracelets up for sale, a hallmark of the singer's Eras Tour, on Harris' campaign website. Planned? Her aides want to make it seem not.
In the United States, it is common for celebrities to take sides without risking their brands. It could even be a detriment not to. Swift had already supported President Biden in 2020 and had previously spoken openly about women's issues, abortion, and LGBTQ rights, perhaps with less force than some of her fans would have expected. The defense has been discreet again, but it could be decisive.