The Politicization of Taylor Swift

A presidential election likely to be contested between two old men could be swayed by the nation’s most famous 34-year-old woman.

Taylor Swift’s astronomical popularity and willingness to speak out on political issues could make her a key player in the 2024 election.

The New York Times reported Monday that President Biden’s reelection team is actively seeking Swift’s support. The musician’s endorsement could go some way to increasing enthusiasm for the 81-year-old Biden, especially among younger voters.

On the other hand, Swift’s perceived social liberalism, past criticism of former President Trump, her outspokenness about gender-related double standards, and her cultural universality combine to make her a popular choice among conservatives. dissatisfaction is growing.

This conservative anger is now so hot that it fuels conspiracy theories that are far removed from reality.

Swift’s romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has propelled the right stroke to new heights as the Super Bowl approaches. Kelce’s Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49ers on February 11th.

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is among those who have suggested the Super Bowl is being rigged to boost Swift’s profile in an eventual bid to support Biden.

“I’m curious who will win next month’s Super Bowl,” Ramaswamy wrote on social media on Monday. “And will we see massive presidential support from artificially culturally supported couples this fall?”

There is no evidence that the Super Bowl was rigged. There’s also no evidence that Swift (whose “Ellas” tour was the first in history to gross more than $1 billion) needs more fame than she already has.

“Conservatives used to talk about Trump Derangement Syndrome, but now I think we’re in Taylor Derangement Syndrome,” Chris Willman, Variety’s senior music writer and chief music critic, wrote in the column. Told.

“It’s real. People think she’s destroying the NFL and the U.S. government at the same time, which is quite an accomplishment,” Willman added dryly.

There’s no doubt that anti-Swift sentiment on the right has been at a fever pitch in recent days.

Newsmax host Greg Kelly complained of “idolatry” towards Swift from fans, adding, “If you look it up in the Bible, it’s a sin.”

One American news host, Alison Steinberg, suggested that Swift was “owned.” [George] Soros has long been known as a hate figure on the right for his support of liberal causes.

In a somewhat milder tone, Fox News’ Jeanine Pirro appeared on The Five on Monday and urged Swift not to “get involved in politics” because politics can “alienate fans.”

There’s not much evidence to suggest Swift would follow such advice.

Her first notable political intervention came in 2018, when she supported Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen in his bid to unseat Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).

An emotional video, apparently filmed in advance of the decision, shows Swift arguing with her father about why she feels she needs to speak out.

“I need to be on the right side of history, and if… [Bredesen] If I can’t beat it, at least I tried,” Swift says.

Citing Ms. Blackburn’s detailed record (“she has voted against fair pay for women”), she claimed that the senator was espousing homophobic positions, saying, “This It’s a fundamental human right, and it’s both right and wrong at this point,” Swift added.

Part of Swift’s political power lies simply in her immense popularity. But her mainstream image is also what makes it difficult for people who dislike her opinions to ignore or marginalize her.

“Ever since she became famous, she’s been portrayed as ‘America’s sweetheart’ or the girl next door,” said a senior at Rice University, where the university published a book entitled “Miss Americana: Its Evolution and Lyrics.” says Katherine Jen, who teaches the course. Taylor Swift’s. ”

Jen said part of the intensity of right-wing criticism of Swift may be due to the fact that “she has broken conventional wisdom, especially by being outspoken about politics.” He claimed that there was.

Beyond speaking out on overtly partisan issues, the mere fact of Swift’s success as a female solo artist can sometimes be political in the broadest sense.

Back in early 2016, when she won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for “1989,” Swift said, “There will be people along the way who will try to get in the way of your success and your success,” and “Every young woman. I called out to them. Take credit for your accomplishments and fame. ”

But, she added, “you’ll know it was you.”

Swift was clearly unpopular in the building itself during the years President Trump was in the White House.

Olivia Troy, a former member of the Trump administration, later said a colleague asked her if she was “trying to get fired” for playing Swift’s music from her office. When Troy expressed her confusion, her colleague reportedly said of Swift, “I don’t think she’s a fan of President Trump.”

Some observers have suggested that if Swift were involved in this year’s election, her influence with female voters could be particularly strong.

“In the new post-Dobs era, figures like Taylor Swift have the potential to mobilize apolitical groups of women around issues of women’s reproductive rights,” said Shari, a history professor at Nevada State University. Brautbar says. “Her advocacy could persuade them to become more involved as voters and make enough of a difference to sway the outcome. This could be an important factor for both her younger and older fans.” There is a gender.”

Peter La Chapelle, author of I’d Fight the World: A Political History of Old-Time, Hillbilly and Country Music, says part of Swift’s political relevance is that it raises awareness of political issues. He suggested that it was in his ability. Otherwise, you won’t go through all the twists and turns.

“She could have appeal among people who are probably not very up-to-date on current events,” said La Chapelle, who is also a professor at Nevada State University. “She can make problems visible in a way that they might think is important.”

The most concrete example of Swift’s political appeal came last September when she urged her Instagram followers to register to vote.

The nonpartisan website Vote.org, which she directed her followers to, recorded more than double the number of registrations from 18-year-olds than the previous National Voter Registration Day.

Swift has not said whether she will actually endorse him in this year’s presidential election.

Her famous tweet from May 2020 accused President Trump of “fanning the flames of white supremacy” around the time of George Floyd’s murder and promised to “vote you out in November.” Considering what she was doing, I’m not too worried about which side she’ll take. She says no if she supports it.

Unlike most other celebrities, she can actually make a difference.

“She became the only singular entertainer to have such an impact on millions of people,” Willman said.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.