Do Taylor Swift’s fans deserve to know who she’s voting for in this election?

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Taylor Swift has not made any political endorsements. And people are starting to wonder about it. New York Magazine’s The Cut ran a lengthy analysis/defense of why Tay-Tay has been so quiet – you can read the piece here. The Cut points out that it’s not like Taylor has ever been tethered to one political party, nor has she ever endorsed anyone for president before. But as the election cycle reaches its final weeks, many online (including Taylor’s younger fans) have been wondering aloud as to Taylor’s political allegiance.

Last week, Fusion’s Kelsey McKinney practically begged Taylor to say something specifically about Donald Trump and his “grab them by the p—sy” comments. McKinney accepts that Taylor is likely attempting to stay apolitical and thus acceptable to a large swath of fans, fans who are both Democrats and Republicans. But McKinney writes: “But her reticence should be controversial. To remain silent is to remain complicit in every hateful statement, every reminder that a man with power and fame can—as Trump said this weekend— ‘do whatever he wants.’” As in, even if Taylor doesn’t make an endorsement, she can and should stand up and say that certain comments are deplorable.

There’s also anecdotal evidence that Taylor is now a closet Republican – she’s said before that her family is pretty Republican, she’s the Aryan Dream Girl of the alt-right (Trump’s base), and she’s very close to Karlie Kloss, who is dating Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, also known as Mr. Ivanka Trump. I would also think that a HUGE reason why Taylor hasn’t been With-Her-ing is because Katy Perry was one of the first major pop stars to not only declare her allegiance to Hillary Clinton, but actively campaign for HRC too. Taylor would never want to be on the same “side” as Katy Perry.

So if Taylor is voting for Donald Trump, should she say anything? If that’s the case, she should absolutely NOT say anything, lest everyone pile on about “how could you vote for a p—sy grabber?” And if she’s voting for HRC, she won’t say anything lest she look like she’s “following” in Katy Perry’s footsteps. Rock, hard place. Plus, Taylor is such an enigma when it comes to politics, which I sort of hate-respect. I mean, think about how hard it is to avoid talking about politics so thoroughly that literally no one has any idea about who you’re voting for? So, should she say anything? Eh. I’m saying no, but I’m mostly saying that because I doubt she will say anything and I don’t want to be disappointed.

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Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet, WENN.

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75 Responses to “Do Taylor Swift’s fans deserve to know who she’s voting for in this election?”

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  1. Mousyb says:

    I’m pretty sure Josh Kushner has said he doesnt support Trump after staying silent out of respect for his brother. So I think its a stretch to say she and Karlie are pro trump.

    I honestly want celebs to be here for entertainment purposes and speak to issues that really impact them and they are educated about (for example, Jolie on refugees and global issues). For the most part Taylor’s feminism is focused on Taylor Swift Inc. Not some bigger picture. In fact, most celebs barely have an education and are in a highly insular bubble oblivious to real issues that impact Americans/the world so who theyre voting for doesnt really impact me…

    • mellie says:

      Quote about the celebs…well said, I agree x1000!

    • almondmilk says:

      Idgaf.

      But then, I’m not a 17YO white girl with IMO, questionable taste in music. I don’t get her. Never have.

      Ordinarily, I would say a person such as she, or anyone for that matter, doesn’t need to be forced into saying who they’ll be voting for.

      But for Ms.Girlpower, who has stood on stages and shamed those who would denigrate her, and take away her voice…who has such a following of impressionables – it’s a shame she can’t take a stand against ‘Trumptape.’

      • LeAnn Stinks says:

        Well said, Almondmilk!

      • elharbeson says:

        #1 It is called a secret ballot for a reason.
        #2 You would sooner she vote for the defender of a known serial rapist? She attacked the young woman who accused him with death threats, and called them whores, and as the media picked the story up blamed the vast right wing conspiracy for planting untrue stories which they were not.
        #3 I am not a 17 year old girl, but a 73 year old man. I have a number of friends who like her music. Four of us are on our way to Austin to see her concert there. I believe there will be a lot of men there as it is at a formula 1 Grand Prix, a venue more men will be willing to go to as her shows are geared toward woman.

    • Adele Dazeem says:

      Completely agree on celebs. Stay in your wheelhouse, celebs. No matter how young and or impressionable, one should vote because it’s your right and your choice, not because your celebrity crush du jour chooses that person.

      That being said, I *DO* appreciate celebrities that encourage people to register and vote without an emphasis on party or candidate.

  2. Pandy says:

    Well, ultimately, it’s none of our business, is it? But I bet she’s a republican.

    • ronaldinhio says:

      I doubt she votes but if she did I agree republican

      It is a pity as lots of younger women would listen to her and it would be good if she made a stand

  3. AlleyCat says:

    I can see why she doesn’t say anything (she started from country, a whole bunch of her fans are pretty republican I would say) and her parents were crazy rich even before she made it big so it’s in her family to be republican too. And I don’t need to hear every celebrity’s opinion on anything. But it is disappointing that this girl who uses feminism and equality all the time for her career, wouldn’t publicly oppose the orange face monster that is trump. Also, I also believe she’s at least bisexual, so it shocks me even more if she secretly supports trump.

  4. mellie says:

    No…who cares? We all make our own decisions, I would prefer less people of celebrity status trying to sway votes and instead more people reading articles, watching news and debates and forming their own opinions. It’s not really going to change my opinion of her no matter who she votes for, I just hope she votes, that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day – get out there and vote and be glad you have the freedom to do so!

    • elharbeson says:

      This is the most intelligent comment I have seen on this site.

    • milla says:

      exactly.

      people should do their own research, talk to each other, discuss. it is your decision, you should know why you decided to vote that way. it is not about who, but why.

      • Otaku fairy says:

        It’s about who and why. Politics aren’t like opinions about whether or not coke is better than Pepsi or marvel vs. DC, especially not this year.

    • Robin says:

      You totally nailed it. It’s nobody else’s damned business how anyone votes, and it’s absolutely idiotic to let celebrities influence how someone votes. People would be a lot better off actually reading things online and deciding on the basis of that, rather than being influenced by celebrities, TV hosts, and memes.

  5. Moxie Remon says:

    Yeah, we all know she’s a Republican.

    • Kate says:

      Why? Because she’s white and has money? Come on. Sometimes the comments in this echo chamber are ridiculous. Who cares about Taylor Swift’s politics? She’s very careful not to inject herself into controversy or take up particular causes apart from visiting sick kids and helping out when there’s a disaster. Good for her. There’s no reason for her to stand up here and say Trump sucks or HRC all the way. The vast majority of us, whether Republican or Democrat, think the sweet meteor of death is the best choice, so good for her for keeping her mouth shut.

  6. G says:

    I am not going to change my vote to match hers, so no.

  7. Fancyamazon says:

    Nope. Voting is anonymous

    • oliphant says:

      yes!!!

      Plus, maybe she’s just too depressed about the choices to want to talk about it; South Park did a great episode about how the choice is basically between a giant douche and a turd sandwich.

      • adastraperaspera says:

        Yep

      • Lisatorner says:

        That South Park episode was about the Bush Gore election which was like a douche vs a turd sandwich however this election is a douche vs a turd apocalypse and is such a different situation.

      • Robin says:

        Um, no, Lisatorner, South Park has done several episodes this season based on the current election.

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      Exactly- secret ballot. That is all.

  8. Lila says:

    No one “deserves” to know another’s voting choices, we have a secret ballot for a reason.
    That’s all I’ve got.

    • PrincessMe says:

      +1

    • Imqrious2 says:

      👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Exactly! #ImwithYOUonthis

    • Betsy says:

      +1
      Plus, for all who assume her to be Republican, I was kind of shocked when this prissy, moneyed distant relative (married in) started liking a lot of Hillary posts on Facebook. I was like, well, huh. Called that one wrong.

  9. Dippit says:

    It’s between her and the ballot box.

  10. Tough Cookie says:

    Don’t know, don’t care. I long for the days when people kept their political opinions to themselves. LOL my husband and I were married two years before we found out we belonged to different political parties.

    • Matomeda says:

      +1 many of us have strong opinions and aren’t going to change them due to nonstop Facebook rants and people scream-shaming us to join their personal cause. I don’t like the current culture of bullying people until they believe as you do. That goes for religion or lack thereof, too. We’ve lost civility and respect in discourse.

    • Betsy says:

      I think it’s weird not to know how your spouse would vote for, but otherwise agree – privacy at the box is A-OK.

  11. paranormalgirl says:

    It’s no one’s business unless you choose to make it their business.

  12. Luca76 says:

    Call me an apologist but I don’t think it’s her responsibility to discuss her political beliefs. She may or not be a Republican but it’s a huge leap from that to alt-right racist (though sadly not as huge as it used to appear). There’s something to be said for secularism among celebrities.

  13. Brea says:

    Nah, it’s her business. If she has always been apolitical why should she start endorsing candidates now?? There’s no need to beg celebrities to take a stand, as long as they encourage voting. Any person with a sane mind would be disgusted by Trump lewd comments, there’s no need to read a statement from the whole Hollywood.
    That said, just for the fun of it, I would guess that she’s a Democrat for social issues but fiscally conservative.

  14. Max says:

    Who cares who she votes for? She gets one vote and if a so-called “singer”‘s opinion causes people to follow her, they get the government they deserve. Besides she is certainly not the smartest pumpkin in the patch, so why does her voting choice have weight?

  15. Dominique says:

    But McKinney writes: “But her reticence should be controversial. To remain silent is to remain complicit in every hateful statement, every reminder that a man with power and fame can—as Trump said this weekend— ‘do whatever he wants.’”

    That is not fair. She is a pop singer, albeit shoddy, but still a pop singer. Leave her out of this.

    • GreenTurtle says:

      To remain silent is to be complicit in his acts? Jesus. No. Her reticence should be controversial if she was witness to Trump sexually assaulting someone. Otherwise, she’s done nothing wrong. Judgemental hyperbole much, McKinney?

  16. Anilehcim says:

    Shout out to celebrities who don’t get political because frankly, I don’t give a shit about their opinions and wish more of them would stop pontificating. I feel this way about the newfound need to ask every celeb if they’re a feminist. I don’t care. They get paid to pretend to be other people or to write/sing songs that entertain us. I don’t expect them to be smart, nor do I care about their personal beliefs. I’m too busy living my own life in the real world to care about those who are in another realm entirely and out of touch with the reality of millions of Americans. I don’t want to hear that, “I’m just like you! I’m so regular” because 90% of the time, it’s crap.

    No celebrity or regular person needs to tell anyone who they’re voting for. I tend to keep it to myself also because it always leads to hurt feelings and a debate that I’m not looking for. Don’t get me wrong, I’m open to dissenting views, but I find that a lot of people aren’t, and this is why debates about politics and religion lead to conflict. Not worth the trouble for me. I have a professor (I’m in grad school) who constantly tries to get us to talk current politics in class and I never take the bait because he’s super conservative and I’m not interested in either pretending to agree with him or dealing with the fall out when I express that I don’t. I’ve found that most of the time when people say they like to debate current affairs/politics, what they really mean is they like to talk to people who agree with them. I have to be honest, it makes my blood boil when I hear or even read somewhere that people have a political discussion with someone and then say they can’t look at them the same anymore. People are entitled to their opinions, even if I don’t agree with them. Unless it’s something so incredibly heinous, I find it really sad when people can’t put aside differing political views. All we can do is cast our votes.

    • oliphant says:

      ‘I’ve found that most of the time when people say they like to debate current affairs/politics, what they really mean is they like to talk to people who agree with them.’

      yes or some just basically want to tell you that you’re wrong, your views/opinions are wrong because they’re not theirs, or generally act as if you hold your views because you’re stupid.

  17. nicegirl says:

    Nope. It is her right as an American to keep it to herself.

    I would love to see her encourage folks to register and vote, though.

    • Anilehcim says:

      Great point. I agree. If there is anything I appreciate celebrities doing in regard to politics, it’s encouraging their fans to vote.

  18. swak says:

    I don’t care who you are, no one needs to know who you are voting for. It’s your choice. If you choose to tell people, then that’s on you.

  19. jude says:

    I get the feeling that Taylor is genuinely apolitical; and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if she has never voted in her life. I mean, she’s a white woman in America who was born rich and got richer. Whoever wins this election, Taylor’s not going to be tremendously affected by it. Her political belief is probably don’t be mean to her or take away too much of her money.

    And while it would be nice if she spoke out against Trump’s atrocious comments towards women and minorities (cause at this point, it’s not just about politics. It’s about how much Trump has helped normalize bigotry and the excuses millions of people are making for him left and right), she shouldn’t be pressured into it.

    Also, Taylor is definitely one who waits to see which way the wind blows before making any decision. If she were to ever condemn any of Trump’s comments or actions, I think it’ll be long after the election is over. (Assuming, God willing, that he loses)

    As for whether or not anyone deserves to know who anyone is voting for, my answer is no.

  20. Jess says:

    Couldn’t she say something about the p***y grabbing statement, without endorsing either candidate? Isn’t she supposed to be a feminist? I mean you can be a republican and be appalled by his antics. I think she’s just staying mum because she’s afraid to loose anyone in her audience. Much like her former bf hiddles she’s all about the business.

  21. Lucy says:

    It’d be pathetic if she didn’t endorse Hillary just because Katy’s already doing it, which is why I doubt that’s the reason. Also, wasn’t/isn’t she pretty tight with the Obamas, and FLOTUS in particular?

  22. Linda says:

    It’s nobody’s business but hers. Study the issues and vote accordingly not because of what these blow hard celebrities say.

  23. Lightpurple says:

    I don’t care who she votes for but would just like to say something about assumptions that I’m seeing. Not all rich, white people are republicans (Barbara Boxer, Nancy Pelosi, the Kennedys, Al Franken are just some examples) and not all Republicans are voting for Trump.

    • Matomeda says:

      +1 that assumption is outdated, if it were ever even correct. Add Mark Dayton (Daytons stores), entire swaths of Hollywood, and most of the high-level (high paid) people at my employer if the democrat list. I personally think more of the wealthy are blue, as opposed to red. But saying that doesn’t fit the narrative.

  24. lucy2 says:

    No one is obligated to share their vote, or their political beliefs, with anyone else. No one.
    If someone chooses to, fine. If someone chooses to stand up and speak out against a candidate spreading racism, sexism, etc, that’s GREAT, but no one is obligated to. If she wants to stay out of politics, let her.

    • Leah says:

      But then don’t call yourself a feminist. Problem here is she pretends to be a feminist when it suits her.

      • MI6 says:

        Yes, Leah. Exactly.

      • Crox says:

        But not every feminist needs to speak about every issue at hand. There’s a whole world of celebrity feminists not talking about Trump’s comment, what about them? Why is Swift singled out?

        BTW, if she chose to say anything about Trump’s comment, people would jump to conclusion she’s voting for Hillary, and that would out her voting choice against her will. You can’t comment against Donald and look like you’re neutral, you just can’t. So if she wants to keep her voting choice for herself, she has to stay quiet on Trump and Hillary completely.

      • Leah says:

        She is single out by her fans, they want to know. Personally i couldn’t care less who she votes for but she has a history of using feminism as a shield when it suits her and this is just another example.

      • Robin says:

        Oh, BS. You can keep your political opinions to yourself, especially in this election, and still be a feminist.

      • Kate says:

        She’s singled out because it’s just another example of how her feminism is really Taylor-ism. She only ever uses her voice on things that directly affect her, never wider feminist issues.

      • Crox says:

        Kate: Most (celebrity) feminists do that. It’s not because they would be mean, it’s because that’s where they detect problems.

  25. Meredith says:

    How am I supposed to know who to vote for if I don’t know who Taylor is voting for?!?!?!?!?!

  26. MI6 says:

    If you’re going to use feminism as your convenient soapbox then I believe you have a social responsibility to call out inappropriate and misogynistic actions on your widely popular social media platforms.
    Don’t just do it when it benefits you.
    Your vote is your own.

    • Crox says:

      But, as I wrote to the other poster above, if she makes any remark about Trump or Clinton, her voting choice, which she apparently wishes to keep private, will be outed.

  27. hannah89 says:

    taylor annoys me, but I think she stays quiet for financial reasons.

    I think she probably is liberal and will vote for hilary.

    • Miss Jupitero says:

      And she speaks up on political issues for financial reasons– when an issue directly affects her ability to make more money, she’s there. She wasn’t shy at all about taking out an oped against Spotify.

      I think that if “girl power” is part of her brand, she has a responsibility to speak up. She won;t though because there is no payout for her.

  28. someone says:

    I don’t think its anyones business who shes voting for…

    • SwanLake says:

      I don’t vote for a candidate because of celebrity support. I don’t care who votes for whom, but I *do* care that the Constitution guarantees a secret ballot.

  29. cat says:

    NO. I say good for her for keeping quiet on that topic. I am so sick and tired of celebrities giving their opinion when most of them have barely graduated high school. What do they know about economy, foreign policy etc? Sure, Trump in an awful candidate but acting like Hillary is any better is just laughable – they are both horrible.

  30. jc126 says:

    I would keep quiet too, just on principle., because such things are personal and people have a right to keep things private. Celebs are in a no-win situation, if they speak out they’re told to shut up, if they won’t reveal who they’re voting for (and it better be Hillary or they hate women, apparently), they’re cowards who enable rape culture.

  31. kibbles says:

    She should stay silent. She’ll lose fans regardless of her political preferences. A lot of her female fans support HRC, but she still has a country music fan base that is more conservative. I think she’s conservative but perhaps in this election she’d prefer HRC.

  32. Marianne says:

    Its nobody’s business but her own.