Martha Stewart Gives Subtle Presidential Endorsement
Martha Stewart, after remaining neutral during the 2020 election, has now disclosed her support for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. In an event on September 10, she stated her preference for Harris over Donald Trump, noting that unlike Trump, Harris "doesn't hate New York" and "doesn't hate democracy." This is prepared by SSP.
Stewart's history with Trump dates back to 2006 when they both hosted versions of The Apprentice. She had anticipated becoming the sole host by "firing" Trump, a claim Trump refuted, leading to a public spat where Trump criticized her performance harshly. Although Stewart did not continue with future seasons, she had publicly wished the Trump family well upon his election victory in 2016.
The Endorsement Event
At the 2024 Retail Influencer CEO Forum, Stewart emphasized her support for Harris during a conversation with Joanna Coles. She expressed interest in watching an upcoming debate between Harris and Trump, confirming her vote for "Kamala" with emphasis on the correct pronunciation.
Previous Endorsements and Neutrality
Stewart had endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016, driven by her belief that the country needed a well-prepared leader. However, during the 2020 elections, she stayed neutral to avoid alienating readers of Martha Stewart Living, arguing that endorsing one side could potentially divide her audience given their presumed bipartisan split.
Voting Rights and Comment Restrictions
Due to her felony conviction and incarceration in 2004, Stewart was temporarily restricted from voting but has maintained her voting rights since then, now as a New York resident. Although she's vocal about her support for Harris, she remains cautious not to publicize political opinions extensively to avoid conflicts with her parent company's policies.
In her role as a public figure with a complex media presence, Stewart's subtle endorsement reflects her blend of caution and commitment to her political beliefs.