Taylor Swift Just Took a Strong Political Stance for the First Time
Taylor Swift has never been very vocal about politics. In fact, she’s famous for not speaking out about her views, even as some fans and critics have begged her to take a stand. With midterm elections quickly approaching, though, she decided to break her silence this week, sending fans a very clear message about which candidates she does — and doesn’t — support.
“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,” the singer wrote on Instagram, where she has more than 112 million followers.
“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,” she continued. “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. 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.”
She went on to single out GOP candidate Marsha Blackburn, who’s running for senate in the state of Tennessee. “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,” Swift stated.
“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,” Swift added. “These are not MY Tennessee values.”
The pop star then shared which candidates she does support, writing, “I will be voting for Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives.”
Swift ended her post by asking her followers to educate themselves on the candidates running in their own states so they can vote for the people who will represents their values.
“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,” she wrote. “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!”
What do you think about Taylor Swift’s political message? Tell us on Twitter @BritandCo.
(photo via Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
