Country music icon Kenny Chesney shared his views on celebrity endorsements in politics with Bill Maher on a recent episode of Maher’s podcast, “Club Random.” Chesney questioned the necessity for celebrities to influence public voting decisions.

During the conversation, Chesney asked Maher if he was a fan of Bruce Springsteen. Maher confirmed his admiration but admitted to associating Springsteen with political stances, due to the musician’s outspoken political views, including an anti-Trump “No Kings” tour.

Bill Maher, known for his critique of celebrity endorsements after the 2024 election, remarked that these endorsements often seem disconnected and unrelatable to everyday individuals.

“I just refuse to do it,” Chesney stated, appreciating Maher for respecting his preference during a previous appearance not to discuss political matters.

Maher emphasized that his show explores a variety of topics with different guests. He mentioned California Governor Gavin Newsom as a potential topic for more political discussions.

Chesney reflected on his stance, acknowledging that while he had a platform, he didn’t believe it was his role to influence others’ political choices.

Maher and Chesney agreed that celebrity opinions might have the opposite effect. Maher pointed out that research suggests celebrities’ political statements fail to sway public opinion positively.

Chesney added, “I’ve never seen it as my place to use my stage or platform to tell people how to think or vote. People seek escape from political saturation.”

Maher had previously thought pop star Taylor Swift might significantly impact the 2024 election. Following Vice President Kamala Harris’ defeat, he became skeptical of celebrities’ roles in politics, describing their influence as harmful.

In a February interview with John Mellencamp, Maher noted that Democrats might benefit from distancing themselves from celebrity endorsements. Mellencamp humorously acknowledged the limitation of celebrities’ political knowledge.