I Don’t Give a Fuck About Who Taylor Swift Is Voting For

Photo by Rosa Rafael

Every election cycle, Americans hear the “song and dance” about how much is “on the line this November.” I’m not sure how Americans are supposed to have selective amnesia about what’s happening in Palestine or to stomach the fact that there is still a lack of a weapons embargo on Israel. Yet, it is striking that fucking Taylor white Swift can have her voting choice influence others. Over the past month, we have heard about immigrants eating dogs and cats and watched Kamala on stage stating that Israel has a right to “defend itself” while flipping her silk press with the hopes of a viral moment. 

Celebrity endorsements have historically influenced elections. Whether it be Sinatra and Kennedy or Oprah and Obama, the backing of influential figures in elections has consistently held their place in American politics. Despite this, why should I give a fuck about who Taylor Swift is voting for? And why is this election different than others? 

We’re Worried About The Wrong Things

For one, no one should care who Taylor Swift is voting for. America shouldn’t be looking for a white savior to help voters pick the “lesser of two evils” in today’s election. For two, today’s election isn’t about status quo politics centered on a traditional partisanship of respective parties like Kennedy and Nixon. For three, today’s election, to my hope, wouldn't be reduced to only being about having America’s first woman president. And with the level of obfuscation and deflection, it’s easy for voters to be focused on the wrong things during this election. 

This election goes far beyond Trump being a racist and an insurrectionist instigator. This election goes far beyond Kamala dancing at another “goddamn sorority party.” This election is all about the acknowledgment of what’s going on in Gaza. This election is all about checking white supremacy and its propensity to call anything humane as antisemitism. This election is about acknowledging the atrocities within the Middle East as our sitting President totes the phrase “ceasefire” for the sole purpose of applause while he forgets what nearest exit to take offstage. And despite what influence Taylor Swift has, her endorsement of Kamala Harris won’t sway anyone who holds the true issues of this election close.

Swift Can’t Change Shit

Perhaps Taylor Swift was able to influence millions of teens across America to become “swifties.” Perhaps she was able to cultivate an entire catalog of music based on puppy love and betrayal. Perhaps she was able to take the attention away from football throughout last year's entire NFL season by dating Travis Kelce. But this Lily-white woman will not be able to take the attention away from the fact that Harris can one minute say that Palestinians deserve “dignity and security,” while at the same time stating that Israel has a right to “defend itself.” Taylor Swift’s “Tears on Her Guitar” won’t compel sensible voters that there is a war going on in Palestine when in fact it’s a genocide. 

Despite a long history of celebrity endorsements in American Presidential elections, it’s going to be critical that voters look beyond the influence and singular voice. And if these singular voices can convert millions at a time, what separates each other beyond party lines? This isn’t to say that celebrities and influencers can’t speak openly about their views or their political hopefuls; however, millions of Americans who aren’t committed yet can be easily swayed. And at this point, what makes “Blue No Matter Who” apologists any different than “MAGA” enthusiasts? Nothing.