Alex Blau Presents Paper on Celebrity Influence in American Politics at the American Political Science Association (APSA) 2025 Meeting
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Georgetown University student Alex Blau presented his paper, “Texan Mystique: The Influence of Celebrity and the USA’s Next Celebrity President”, during the Civic Engagement Panel at APSA. The study explores Matthew McConaughey’s political viability and what his rise reveals about the future of American politics. More broadly, Blau examines the evolution of celebrity politics in America: from Reagan’s Hollywood charisma to Trump’s brash media omnipresence to a post-Trump era. In this shifting media and civic environment, McConaughey emerges not just as a pop culture figure but as a political archetype. The research and data collection were supported by CERL.
According to Blau, a combination of visibility, trust, and emotional intimacy equates to political viability. McConaughey’s public image is a masterclass in parasocial relatability. He’s not just a movie star. He’s a podcast host, a philanthropist, a father, and a hometown hero who responded to tragedy in Uvalde with real emotion and action. He’s visible. He’s trusted. And, crucially, he feels authentic. This creates emotional intimacy, and with it, political power.
Using original national survey data (n=1,882), Blau tested what happens when McConaughey is placed in a real political context without a party label. With just name recognition and sentiment, the results were telling:
- 16% of all respondents said they would vote for him
- 24% of Republicans
- 29% of Independents
- 39% of Democrats
McConaughey’s support crosses party lines, rare for any figure. Let alone a celebrity. But the more interesting finding? The strongest support came from younger voters and those who follow celebrity culture, use social media for news, and engage emotionally with public figures. In other words, the strongest support came from those who experience politics through personalities, not platforms. McConaughey’s case isn’t just about Texas charm or name ID. It’s about a shift in what Americans are looking for in a candidate. It’s not policy depth, but vibes. And it’s not ideology, but intimacy.
Blau and APSA meeting participants discussed parasocial politics, pop culture, and the evolving nature of public trust. Blau is a graduate student in the Communication, Culture & Technology (CCT) program at Georgetown University.