Can sports stars make a difference? – DW – October 22, 2024

“Professional athletes have incredible power, especially those who are successful and have made a name for themselves. They often have more followers on social media than the president of the United States,” Bedina Wilkinson told DW. He is a professor of politics and international affairs at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

In fact, music stars like Taylor Swift or Bruce Springsteen and actors like George Clooney have become increasingly politicized in America in recent years. American athletes from different sports and different backgrounds are making political statements. They support parties or candidates, position themselves on political issues, or work to ensure that people exercise their right to vote. But will November 5 make a meaningful difference?

“People look up to professional athletes because their identity is tied to them,” says Wilkinson. “If I'm a big basketball fan, I look up to a certain player because he's so cool and awesome, and I'm willing to do the things he says are important.”

“Athletes for Harris”

Many sports stars are also participating in the upcoming US presidential election on November 5th. Basketball superstar Stephen Curry even appeared at the Democratic convention with a video message. Her coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors supports Kamala Harris, as do sports legends such as former basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, former tennis player Billie Jean King and former football player Ali Krieger.

They, along with others, formed the group “Athletes for Harris” in September. “To all the athletes out there: don't be afraid to use your platforms — we need you all, get involved. Tell your friends that Vice President Harris has an agenda that will move the country forward,” Johnson said.

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Trump support from American football and martial arts

In the Trump camp, many supporters come from American football and martial arts such as wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA). Key representatives include quarterback legend Brett Favre and former national football player Alexi Lalas. But current Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Budger and professional golfer John Daly also support Trump.

“We're all on tours [den Profi-Golf-Touren – Anm. d. Red.] Daddy Trump needs to come back,” Daley said recently, though it's unclear to what extent he's actually speaking for other golfers. “I support a very pro-president. That's Donald Trump,” Budger said on Fox News, referring to the abortion rights debate.

An effective call to vote

Bedina Wilkinson believes that such election ads can have an impact on voters. However, what is even more useful is that sports stars go out to vote and call for votes, says the scientist. She mentions initiative “over the vote”It was founded by basketball player LeBron James and is now headed by basketball player Nneka Ogwumike.

The initiative was originally launched after the killings of black people George Floyd and Bronna Taylor by police officers to advocate for criminal justice reform. But under Ogwumike's leadership, the focus has shifted.

“In my 13-year career in the WNBA, women's sports have seen incredible growth. But in that time, I've seen lawmakers diminish my rights and the rights of all the athletes who lead these teams and leagues to success.” Okumike said. “We cannot stand idly by as women's freedoms disappear. That is why I am committed to raising awareness and taking action on this issue as part of the 'More Than a Vote' initiative.”

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The effect depends on race and gender

Both James and Okumic were black athletes. Studies by Wilkinson and others show that race and gender matter when disseminating political messages.

“Race sometimes plays a role. For example, if a black athlete talks about criminal justice reform, people who are black are more likely to change their stance,” explains Wilkinson.

But it could be the other way around. “When white athletes, for example former soccer player Megan Rapinoe, heard testimony about raising awareness about criminal justice reform and police brutality, they were less receptive. In fact, it had the opposite effect.”

The game as a vehicle for your own campaign

Both Harris and Trump have recognized the game's potential to gain a decisive advantage in a tight presidential race.

In early October, Trump's campaign aired ads during NFL and college football games in which Trump attacked Harris' stance on transgender issues. Harris spread his message in politically contested games in so-called “swing states” — banners flown over stadiums from small airplanes.

“We know that people with a strong sports identity can change their position on an issue,” says Wilkinson. So it makes sense for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump to place ads at sporting events.

“When people see these ads, they think, 'The NFL is connected to this particular candidate. I'm here at the game, so my identity is connected to the NFL.' This will greatly influence their willingness to vote for the candidate,” the scientist said.

However, this tactic can also backfire. This is especially true for white conservative voters who view sports as an escape from reality and reject entering politics. “Regardless of whether they're pro-Trump or pro-Harris, they don't like to mix sports and politics,” Wilkinson says. “They're very angry about it.”

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Text adapted from English.