Allies of former U.S. President Donald Trump have alleged that the Democrats and pop icon Taylor Swift are conspiring together in order to boost Joe Biden's chances of a second term in the White House.
The intensely popular singer and her boyfriend, the NFL star Travis Kelce are a recent phenomenon, creating a pop culture crossover that's exploded on social media.
Trump’s allies and the entrenched conservative media have launched mindless rhetoric at Swift's camp, terrified that she could sway the 2024 presidential election in Biden's favour.
One of most successful cultural symbols of modern America and a genuine superstar is now a target for lunatics who believe Trump is above reproach amid a bitter political backdrop.
Trump’s 'MAGA' movement was triggered on Sunday when Swift cheered, hugged and kissed her boyfriend Travis Kelce on the field after Kansas City Chiefs booked their Super Bowl date.
An article in the New York Times on Monday suggested Swift was the “biggest and most influential endorsement target” for Biden’s re-election campaign.
Among the accusations levelled against Swift is that's she is part of a plot — in the National Football League (NFL) — to keep Biden in the White House.
Swift’s music isn't generally political in tone but she has sided with Democrats in their defence of women’s rights and opposition to white supremacy while urging young females to vote.
In her 2020 documentary Miss Americana, Swift expressed frustration that she had not come out against Trump in 2016, by saying “These aren’t your dad’s Republicans,” she told her family in the film.
Trump's acolytes spend an awful lot of time mocking Biden and other perceived easy targets, however targeting Swift may be a step too far.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 campaign on radio expressed her desperation “This woman has made a career off of writing songs about picking the wrong guy. We should not trust her to pick the wrong guy in this presidential election.”
A host on conservative outlet Newsmax Greg Kelly went a step further to generate even more fervour: “They’re elevating her to an idol, idolatry!”
“And you’re not supposed to do that. In fact, if you look it up in the Bible, it’s a sin! So, I don’t like that. And I’m also over this new boyfriend.”
Biden’s advisers have tried to exploit the desperation of his opponents. Kate Bedingfield, Biden’s former White House communications director, posted on X.
“Protecting rights of women and LGBTQ community. That’s it. She’s not out there attacking the Heritage tax platform,” in an apparent reference to another misnomer.
Democrats will hope Swift can boost Biden’s apparently flagging re-election bid, in generating enthusiasm within the base and among younger voters due to Swift's status.
For his part, Swift's partner Kelce has drawn right-wing ire for appearing in adverts for Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine and Bud Light.
It follows conservatives boycott of the beer last year due to a a promotion featuring transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
Jon Lovett on Pod Save America, a podcast run by former Barack Obama officials made a plea “I hope the Biden campaign figures out how to coax Taylor Swift out of her den.”
“But it’s also on Taylor Swift. You built up a ton of goodwill. Time to spend it. Your country needs you”.
