In an effort to appeal to young male voters ahead of our Election Day live updates, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has teamed up with NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson to launch new commercials comparing the presidential candidates like an overview of two sports teams clashing.
During the commercial, Johnson says, "Let’s break down Kamala’s economic plan. She has a plan to cut taxes for over 100 million Americans. Now, let’s look at the other guy. He’s a failed businessman, plain and simple. It’ll jack up prices, which means you’ll pay more for pretty much everything. Kamala’s plan is pro-business, pro-entrepreneur and pro-America. That’s why I’m backing Kamala in this election, and I hope you’ll do the same."
The campaign appears on several prominent sports news and entertainment sites, such as Yahoo Sports and DraftKings. Additionally, the ads appear on sites popular with young males through connections to video games like Fandom and IGN. The Harris-Johnson ad is the first political commercial to appear on sportsbook operator DraftKings before the election.
Johnson isn’t the only star to appear in commercials supporting Harris. Ben Stiller appears in another ad referencing his "Academy Award-snubbed movie Dodgeball."
"You know, this election is a lot like dodgeball. Kamala Harris is the average Joe underdog and... no, this isn’t a time for jokes," he commented. "You know what? It’s way too important. Donald Trump wants to terminate the Constitution. Project 2025 will give him nearly unlimited power. We can’t let him get anywhere near the White House. So, vote for Kamala Harris."
Magic Johnson’s political history
This is not the first time Magic Johnson has endorsed a Democratic candidate. He first got involved in politics in 2006, publicly endorsing Phil Angelides for the role of Governor of California, who ultimately lost to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Johnson then supported Hillary Clinton in her unsuccessful 2008 and 2016 presidential bids, including hosting a fundraiser in August 2016. Between these failed political campaigns, he endorsed Barack Obama in his successful presidential reelection bid in 2012 and Barbara Boxer’s successful 2010 reelection to the California Senate.
Even in the 2020 election, Johnson was working with the Democratic Party, hitting the campaign trail to endorse Joe Biden in Detroit and Lansing in October 2020, attending a Shop Talk event to discuss black men voting.
Johnson’s involvement in professional sports extends far beyond being a Los Angeles Lakers retiree. He currently owns a stake in the NFL’s Washington Commanders, the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, and the MLS’ Los Angeles FC.
