Though pop superstar Taylor Swift has chosen to largely remain silent on political issues throughout her career, Swift issued a statement via Instagram on Sunday (Oct. 8), pledging her support for Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen for the U.S. Senate and Rep. Jim Cooper for the House during next month’s midterm elections.
“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,” she said on social media. “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. 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.
“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.”
Bredesen thanked Swift for her support via a response tweet, saying he was “honored” that “so many Tennesseans…are ready to put aside the partisan shouting and get things done.”
“Please, please educate yourself on the candidates running in your state and vote based on who most closely represents your values,” Swift also said on Instagram. “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.
“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!”
Previously, Swift shared her support for gun reform and March For Our Lives, following the school shooting at Parkland, Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, stating, “No one should have to go to school in fear of gun violence. Or to a nightclub. Or to a concert. Or to a movie theater. Or to their place of worship. I’ve made a donation to show my support for the students, for the March For Our Lives campaign, for everyone affected by these tragedies, and to support gun reform. I’m so moved by the Parkland High School students, faculty, by all families and friends of victims who have spoken out, trying to prevent this from happening again.”
Last year, Swift won a civil suit against radio personality, David Mueller, after she claimed he sexually assaulted her. Swift filed the suit only after Mueller alleged that Swift’s mother and a member of her management team helped get him fired. Mueller had sought $3 million in the suit, which was dismissed on Aug. 11, 2017. Swift then was awarded the damages she sought, which was a symbolic $1, three days later.
During that time Swift issued a statement saying she planned to aid other sexual assault victims. ”I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this,” she said. “My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard.” Over the years Swift publicly donated to Kesha during the Dr. Luke trial and actress Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation.
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
