Taylor Swift, long silent on political matters, has finally voiced some opinions. She posted an Instagram message on Sunday that was aimed at letting her fans know precisely where she stands on state elections in The Volunteer State. So who is she endorsing and what are her fans saying about her sudden political stance?
Swift is speaking out against Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn. She won’t be voting for a candidate “who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love.”
“Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me,” Swift wrote. “These are not MY Tennessee values.”
So… Kanye is MAGA and Taylor Swift is endorsing Democrats in TN. This screening of Interstellar 2 is fascinating. Buy a lottery ticket. Anything is possible in this timeline.
— roxane gay (@rgay) October 8, 2018
“I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country.”
So @taylorswift13 has every right to be political but it won’t impact election unless we allow 13 yr old girls to vote. Still with #MarshaBlackburn
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) October 8, 2018
“I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG.”
Guys, things have gotten so dire that even Taylor Swift had to say something. #VoteBlue
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 8, 2018
“I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.”
"We don't really know what a weaponized Taylor Swift is going to look like…"
Taylor Swift breaks her political silence, endorses Democrats in passionate post. https://t.co/UM4o7yan0N@EvaPilgrim has the story. pic.twitter.com/CtZC2upSA6
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 8, 2018
“So many intelligent, thoughtful, self-possessed people have turned 18 in the past two years and now have the right and privilege to make their vote count.”
People: Taylor Swift needs to speak out on politics, she has a huge platform and could really help
*Taylor speaks out*
People: she should've just stuck to singing, I hate it when celebrities think their opinions matter
— jo🌻 (@my_old_scarf) October 8, 2018
“But first you need to register, which is quick and easy to do. October 9th is the LAST DAY to register to vote in the state of TN. Go to vote.org and you can find all the info. Happy Voting!”
Thank you for the kind words @taylorswift13. I’m honored to have your support and that of so many Tennesseans who are ready to put aside the partisan shouting and get things done. We’re ready for it. Last day to register to vote is October 9. https://t.co/6Xd6YyaJCG pic.twitter.com/CatUBkXPKe
— Phil Bredesen (@PhilBredesen) October 8, 2018
Former governor Bredeson thanked Swift for her support. “Thank you for the kind words @taylorswift13. I’m honored to have your support and that of so many Tennesseans who are ready to put aside the partisan shouting and get things done. We’re ready for it. Last day to register to vote is October 9.”
The reactions are, of course, tied to allegiances. Those who hoped Swift would endorse conservative candidates are shocked that the pop-country icon would not share their values. Those on the left seem equally surprised that she doesn’t. In the middle are a group of people wondering why anyone cares what a celebrity thinks.