She’s sorry, but the old Taylor Swift can’t come to the phone right now.
Why?
Because she’s busy knocking on doors and canvassing neighborhoods in Tennessee to make sure everyone is informed and registered to vote in the 2018 midterm elections.
Indeed, the singer has broken from an often-criticized tradition and done more than merely dip a toe in political waters.
She’s gone right ahead and jumped in with two feet.
On Sunday evening, the beloved solo artist shared the photo above, along with a lengthy Instagram message that endorsed a pair of candidates in the November 6 election for various important offices.
“In the past I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now,” Swift said to open her statement.
She continued:
“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.
“I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG.
“I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.”
In the eyes of many critics, Swift had come under fire many times in the past for never using her famous platform for the greatest good.
While fellow superstars such as Beyonce had not only backed certain candidates, but given speeches and performances on their behalf, Swift had remained out of the political arena entirely.
Some were especially appalled by this decision in 2016 when there was such a clear choice between a candidate who supported women’s rights (Hillary Clinton) and, well… Donald Trump.
“I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent,” Taylor added in this new message.
“I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love.”
Why is Swift speaking out now?
Likely because Republican senators just confirmed Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court — despite one notable accusation of sexual assault against him, along with pretty clear temperment concerns.
Perhaps with this in mind, Swift went on to specifically throw her support behind two candidates from her home state.
“Running for Senate in the state of Tennessee is a woman named Marsha Blackburn. As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn.
“Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me.
“She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry.
“These are not MY Tennessee values.”
In races that appear rather close and which could legitimately impact the country, Swift therefore announced the candidates who have her backing:
“I will be voting for Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives.
“Please, please educate yourself on the candidates running in your state and vote based on who most closely represents your values. For a lot of us, we may never find a candidate or party with whom we agree 100% on every issue, but we have to vote anyway.”
As you might expect, taking a partisan side has elicited mixed reactions on Twitter.
A handful of users are for the move:
Others have scoffed at the move:
(Editor’s Note: Since Kanye supposedly “ended” Swift by interrupting her speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, the two highest-grossing tours in the world belong to… Taylor Swift.)
This, of course, is the danger of getting involved in politics: you may engender some serious opposition.
But Swift must think it is worth the fight and the criticism in order to speak her mind and espouse her values.
This is how Swift concluded her unexpected post:
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. 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!
We wish the very same to you, Taylor.
