Martha Stewart, the well-known lifestyle icon, entrepreneur, and TV personality, has made headlines by sharing her stance on the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. In a rare move, the 83-year-old endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, aligning herself with a growing list of celebrities supporting the Democratic candidate. The announcement came during an on-stage conversation at the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum, where Stewart discussed her thoughts on the election and why she’s choosing Harris over former President Donald Trump.
Are you a fan of Martha Stewart's Cranberry Meringue Tartlets? Her Pineapple-Banana Upside-Down Cake? Well this week she did something she never does. She endorsed a candidate– Kamala… because she wants a president "who doesn’t hate NY" and "doesn’t hate democracy." pic.twitter.com/65RZXj0X1P
— Howie Klein (@downwithtyranny) September 13, 2024
Martha Stewart Backs Kamala Harris at Retail Influencer CEO Forum
During the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum, Martha Stewart made a significant, albeit quiet, endorsement of Kamala Harris for the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Speaking with The Daily Beast’s Chief Creative and Content Officer Joanna Coles, Stewart confirmed her choice in the political arena: “Kamala,” she said, while emphasizing the correct pronunciation of the vice president’s name. For Stewart, the choice is clear.
Stewart’s endorsement comes from her belief in Harris as a leader who stands for democracy and is committed to protecting New York’s values. Stewart explained she wants a president “who doesn’t hate New York” and “who doesn’t hate democracy.” This sentiment draws a stark contrast between Harris and Trump, a figure Stewart has had public conflicts with for years. Her remarks were subtle yet strong, and they echo a broader dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership style.
The History Behind Stewart’s Criticism of Trump
Martha Stewart’s relationship with Donald Trump has been fraught for nearly two decades. The tension between them dates back to 2006 when they both had versions of The Apprentice airing on television. Stewart’s version struggled in viewership, which she attributed to Trump not upholding what she described as an agreement for her to “fire” him on air. In an effort to clear the way for her version of the show, Stewart felt the two Apprentice shows airing simultaneously was detrimental to both their success.
Trump, unsurprisingly, fired back with public criticism, accusing Stewart of lying about their arrangement and deflecting blame for her show’s low ratings. Their feud has continued in the years since, with Trump making dismissive comments about her success. In 2016, Stewart endorsed Hillary Clinton, firmly opposing Trump’s bid for the presidency, stating that he was “totally unprepared” to lead the country.
While Stewart remained quiet during the 2020 election, declining to endorse either Joe Biden or Trump, her 2024 endorsement of Kamala Harris signals a return to political commentary, albeit carefully measured. Stewart acknowledges the potential risks of alienating fans or customers, especially in the divisive political landscape where public figures are often pressured to remain neutral.
Celebrity Endorsements and the 2024 Election
Martha Stewart’s endorsement of Kamala Harris joins a growing list of high-profile figures rallying behind the vice president. In recent weeks, celebrities like Taylor Swift and Linda Ronstadt have also shown their support for Harris. Stewart, a pet lover and a New York resident, shares a cultural affinity with Harris, which likely factored into her endorsement decision.
Although Stewart has largely kept her political views under wraps in past elections, her decision to publicly support Harris in 2024 carries significance. At the same forum, she mentioned the challenges that come with voicing political opinions, especially for someone in her position: “You can’t talk about [politics]… the eyeballs of a parent company come and [I’ll] get a call right away—can’t do that.”
However, Stewart’s subtle endorsement might hold weight with suburban white women, a key demographic in U.S. elections. In the 2020 election, 55 percent of white women voted for Trump, while only 43 percent backed Biden, according to NBC News. With the post-Dobbs decision landscape shifting voter sentiments, every endorsement, particularly from high-profile figures, could influence key voter groups.
From Felon to Political Endorser: Martha Stewart’s Voting History
The fact that Martha Stewart was once convicted of a felony is an intriguing aspect of her political endorsement. Stewart served five months in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy and other insider trading-related charges in 2004. According to Connecticut law, where she was residing at the time, Stewart was only restricted from voting during her incarceration. Since her release in 2005 and her move to New York, she has been free to vote.
Stewart’s conviction has added complexity to her public persona, but it hasn’t diminished her influence as a media mogul and lifestyle expert. Now, she uses that platform to voice her political views, albeit with the understanding that doing so could divide her audience. In a 2020 interview with The New York Times, Stewart alluded to this challenge, acknowledging the delicate balance public figures must maintain in a polarized political climate: “My personal conundrum is, my friends know who I am and what I stand for, but in terms of being the owner of the magazine, When half of your readers may be on one side and the other 50% on the other, how do you choose a side?
The Significance of Martha Stewart’s Support
While Martha Stewart has generally avoided making overt political statements, her endorsement of Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race is noteworthy. By aligning herself with Harris, Stewart has joined the ranks of other high-profile celebrities using their platforms to support a candidate they believe will uphold democratic values. Stewart’s public criticism of Donald Trump further cements her stance as someone who wants a president who respects the ideals she holds dear—especially as they relate to New York and the future of American democracy.
As the 2024 election approaches, celebrity endorsements like Stewart’s will continue to draw attention, particularly as voters make crucial decisions about the country’s future leadership.
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