As the 2024 presidential election cycle heats up, a diverse array of celebrities with Maryland connections have stepped forward to lend their support and influence to Kamala Harris' campaign. From acclaimed actors and designers to renowned musicians and public figures, these high-profile endorsements aim to energize voters and amplify Harris' message across the nation.

Mobilizing the "Nerds" and Fashioning a Winning Look

One superhero actress has assembled a coalition of celebrity "nerds" to rally around Kamala Harris, while a heartthrob actor has stumped for Angela Alsobrooks, the U.S. Senate candidate. Additionally, a fashion designer from Maryland has created a custom purple pantsuit that Oprah Winfrey wore to fire up voters for Harris at the Democratic National Convention.

Harnessing the Power of Household Names

While the media spotlight has often shone on national figures like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Elon Musk, and Kanye West, a host of household names with Maryland ties have also entered the political fray. Candidates across the political spectrum routinely leverage celebrity endorsements to attract voters and draw attention to key issues, according to political analysts.However, the impact of these endorsements is not always clear-cut. The influence of a celebrity's support depends more on the individual voter than the popularity of the celebrity itself. Factors such as the voter's education level and familiarity with the issues can shape the sway of a celebrity's endorsement.

Oprah's Transcendent Appeal vs. Beyoncé's Stratospheric Fame

"Oprah, she transcends. She's an across-the-board figure that people like and trust," said Mileah Kromer, director of the UMBC Institute of Politics. "There's famous and there is Beyoncé famous. There are certain people who reach the stratosphere, and they are different than others."While Oprah's endorsement may carry significant weight, the impact of a celebrity's support can also depend on the voter's perception of the celebrity's authenticity and commitment to the cause. A local celebrity who has consistently advocated for an issue may have more sway than a national figure who suddenly weighs in.

Backlash and Influence: The Complexities of Celebrity Activism

Some celebrities have faced backlash for expressing political views, with figures like Jane Fonda, LeBron James, and Colin Kaepernick facing criticism or even blacklisting for their stances. However, others have found success in using their platforms to champion causes, such as the celebrities involved in the world hunger movement and the anti-apartheid protests in the 1980s.The average voter may be more familiar with a celebrity's personal life than a politician's policy positions, as Kromer noted: "More people probably know that Taylor Swift is dating Travis Kelce than the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." This dynamic highlights the complexities of celebrity influence in the political arena.

Maryland-Tied Celebrities Rally Behind Kamala Harris

From actresses and comedians to designers and musicians, a diverse array of celebrities with Maryland connections have thrown their support behind Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. These endorsements range from social media posts and campaign trail appearances to custom-designed outfits and fundraising events.Wanda Sykes, the acclaimed actress and comedian from Gambrills, has openly endorsed Harris and is a member of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Baltimore native Bishme Cromartie, a "Project Runway All Stars" winner, has expressed his desire to design clothes for "President Harris."Singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers, hailing from Easton, joined Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on the campaign trail in Michigan, where she performed several of her hit songs. Meanwhile, designer Christian Siriano, from Annapolis, has gushed about Harris on social media and designed a custom ensemble for her 2023 State of the Union Address.Other Maryland-connected celebrities, such as actor Michael Ealy, "Modern Family" star Julie Bowen, and "Real Housewives of Potomac" cast member Wendy Osefo, have also lent their voices and platforms to support Harris' bid for the presidency.

Celebrities Leverage Their Influence to Mobilize Voters

The involvement of these Maryland-tied celebrities in the 2024 election cycle underscores the strategic role that high-profile endorsements can play in mobilizing voters and shaping the political landscape. While the ultimate impact of these endorsements remains to be seen, the diverse array of celebrities rallying behind Kamala Harris suggests a concerted effort to harness the power of celebrity influence and connect with a wide range of voters.As the campaign season unfolds, the interplay between celebrity activism and voter engagement will continue to be a captivating aspect of the 2024 presidential race, with Maryland-based stars playing a prominent role in the unfolding political drama.

Despite a heartbreaking 1-4 record in one-possession games last season, the Kansas State Wildcats have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 college football landscape. With a 7-1 record and a 4-1 Big 12 standing, the 15th-ranked Wildcats have proven their resilience, rallying from fourth-quarter deficits in three of their victories this year. As they set their sights on a potential Big 12 championship, the Wildcats' unwavering focus on the present moment and their ability to finish strong have become the hallmarks of their success.

Wildcats Refuse to Fold, Embrace "One-Day-at-a-Time" Mentality

Lessons Learned from Narrow Defeats

The Wildcats' 2022 campaign was marked by a series of agonizingly close losses, with four of their defeats coming by 10 points or fewer. This experience, though painful, has fueled the team's determination to turn the tables in 2023. As offensive lineman Taylor Poitier reflected, "We lost a combination of three or four games by like 10 or 15, somewhere in that area, and that was always in our head. We're losing these close games by like one touchdown or by three, and we always talk about, we've got to finish every single time."

Embracing a Resilient Mindset

The Wildcats' resilience has been on full display this season, as they have rallied from fourth-quarter deficits in three of their seven victories. Their ability to close out tight games has been a testament to their mental toughness and their unwavering commitment to the "one-day-at-a-time" mantra preached by head coach Chris Klieman. As sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson explained, "It starts with coach Klieman, and then it's reiterated throughout the whole building. Coach Tru (strength coach Trumain Carroll) says it in all our lifts, and it's really just focus on the next game, because that's most important, and being where your feet are at and not looking too far down the road."

Staying Hungry and Humble

The Wildcats' success this season has not led to complacency, as they remain focused on the task at hand. Defensive tackle Damian Ilalio emphasized the team's commitment to staying hungry and humble, saying, "I think our team right now is doing a great job of not being satisfied, staying hungry, eating crumbs. We talk about it all the time and we try to live it as well in everything that we do." This mindset has been crucial in keeping the Wildcats grounded and focused on their ultimate goal of a Big 12 championship.

Navigating Tough Road Environments

The Wildcats' resilience has been particularly evident in their ability to win close games on the road. As Poitier noted, "That's kind of how we are right now, just being diligent with our work, especially on the road, too, like no matter what, we always want to try to finish." This road warrior mentality has been a key factor in the Wildcats' success, as they have proven their ability to thrive in hostile environments.

Staying Focused Amid Distractions

With a bye week looming after their matchup against Houston, the Wildcats must guard against the temptation to look ahead. As Ilalio emphasized, "We're not focusing on the end of the year. We're focusing on this next practice. We're focusing on the very next snap. It's really important that you go step by step, instead of looking too far ahead, because then you can get lost in the process." This laser-sharp focus on the present moment has been instrumental in the Wildcats' ability to maintain their momentum and stay on track for a potential Big 12 title.

Kicking Game Provides Clutch Moments

The Wildcats' resilience has been exemplified by the clutch performances of their kicker, Chris Tennant. In last week's Sunflower Showdown against rival Kansas, Tennant's 51-yard field goal with 1 minute and 42 seconds remaining sealed a 29-27 victory for the Wildcats. This game-winning kick was a testament to the team's ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest, a trait that will undoubtedly serve them well as they navigate the remainder of their Big 12 schedule.As the Wildcats prepare to face Houston, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to build on their impressive start to the season. With their resilient mindset, their unwavering focus on the present, and their ability to finish strong, the Wildcats are poised to make a serious push for the Big 12 title and potentially earn a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.