As the 2024 presidential election enters its final stretch, Kamala Harris's campaign has enlisted a star-studded cast of celebrity surrogates to rally support across the country. However, these high-profile endorsements have not been without their share of controversies and missteps, raising questions about the effectiveness of this strategy.

Controversial Endorsements Raise Eyebrows

Bill Clinton's Gaffes on the Campaign Trail

Former President Bill Clinton has made several controversial statements while stumping for Harris in key battleground states. In Georgia, he told reporters that if immigrants were properly screened, "innocent people such as Laken Riley wouldn't have been killed." This comment was widely criticized for its insensitivity and perceived attempt to scapegoat immigrants. Later, in Michigan, Clinton further muddied the waters by suggesting that it's not "right to say that people have to vote for Donald Trump because the economy was better then."

Mark Cuban's Attacks on Trump

Another high-profile surrogate for Harris is former Dallas Mavericks minority owner and long-time Shark Tank star Mark Cuban. In an appearance on ABC's The View, Cuban launched a scathing attack on former President Donald Trump, claiming that "Donald Trump, you never see him around strong, intelligent women, ever. It's just that simple. They are intimidating to him. He doesn't like to be challenged by them." This comment was met with backlash, with political commentator Kayleigh McGhee White describing it as "extremely offensive" and indicative of a pattern where Harris's supporters "lash out" and "insult the people who they think they can't control."

Biden's Criticism of Trump Supporters

The controversies surrounding Harris's celebrity surrogates have not been limited to her own campaign. President Joe Biden has also faced criticism for his comments about Trump supporters, made during a virtual rally on Harris's behalf. Referring to a poorly received joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at the expense of Puerto Rico, Biden said, "The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters."

Trump's Humorous Response

In the face of these attacks, former President Trump has responded with a touch of humor. Ahead of a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Trump was photographed riding in the front seat of a garbage truck with his campaign logo on the side, seemingly mocking Biden's comments about his supporters.

The Effectiveness of Celebrity Surrogates

The use of celebrity surrogates in political campaigns is a well-established strategy, but the recent missteps by Harris's high-profile endorsers have raised questions about its effectiveness. While these endorsements can generate media attention and energize certain segments of the electorate, they also carry the risk of overshadowing the candidate's own message and alienating key voter groups.As the election enters its final days, the Harris campaign will need to carefully navigate the delicate balance between harnessing the star power of its celebrity supporters and ensuring that their message remains focused and resonates with the broader electorate. The ability to do so could prove crucial in determining the outcome of this closely watched race.