Trump likes Taylor Swift 'about 25 percent less' as singer gets political

By Jill Serjeant

 

2018 Billboard Music Awards - Arrivals - Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., 20/05/2018 - Singer Taylor Swift. REUTERS/Steve Marcus

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Taylor Swift's decision to break her silence on politics triggered a storm on Monday, with even U.S. President Donald Trump weighing in on the pop music star's remarks in support of Democrats.

 

Swift, 28, has notably stayed out of the U.S. political fray in contrast to her more vocal peers, like Democratic supporters Katy Perry and Beyonce and Republican backer Kid Rock.

 

But Swift on Sunday told her 112 million Instagram followers that she would vote for two Democrats running in Tennessee in the U.S. congressional midterm elections on Nov. 6.

 

"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 wrote.

 

Asked about Swift's comments, Trump on Monday told reporters; "Let's say that I like Taylor's music about 25 percent less now, OK?"

 

Before he was elected in 2016, Trump had spoken warmly of Swift. On separate occasions on Twitter in 2012 he called her "fantastic" and "terrific."

 

The "Speak Now" singer said in her Instagram post she was a supporter of gay rights and women's rights, and against racism.

 

"I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin colour, gender or who they love," Swift wrote, saying she would vote for Democrats Phil Bredesen for the U.S. Senate and Jim Cooper for the House of Representatives.

 

Bredesen, a former Tennessee governor, is facing Republican Representative Marsha Blackburn in what has become an extremely close race for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Bob Corker.

 

Swift said that while she typically tries to support women running for office, Blackburn's voting record "appalls and terrifies me."

 

Swift's comments got 1.5 million likes on her Instagram page. But they enraged many conservatives, especially those in the country music community where Swift got her start as a teenager and went on to win 10 Grammys.

 

"What I used to love about Taylor Swift is she stayed away from politics," Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative non-profit student organization Turning Point, said on Fox News television on Monday.

 

Some sought to play down Swift's influence outside her predominantly young girl fan base.

 

"So @taylorswift13 has every right to be political but it won’t impact election unless we allow 13 yr old girls to vote," tweeted former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who twice sought the Republican presidential nomination.

 

Former "Star Trek" actor George Takei was among those welcoming Swift's declaration ahead of what are expected to be polarizing elections in November.

 

"Guys, things have gotten so dire that even Taylor Swift had to say something," Takei tweeted.

 

Model Chrissy Teigen, actress Blake Lively and singer Perry were among those adding "likes" to Swift's Instagram post.

 

Swift is currently on a world tour to support her top-selling 2017 album "Reputation" and will perform live at the American Music Awards show in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

 

"Respectfully, be quiet and sing!" wrote a Twitter user named Janice @theemporersnew. "I guess you’re more pop than country now anyway. You’re country fans are gonna be disappointed."

 

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Leslie Adler and Cynthia Osterman)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-10-09

45 minutes ago, webfact said:

"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 wrote.

Events like broke a fingernail, bad selfy, a catfight with other divas, and horror of horrors wardrobe  malfunction, so now this songbird think that somehow her political opinion matter...

Stay tuned. Next, Trump will be stating that she can't sing, that she's ugly and her career is failing.  Standard Trump procedure for anyone who does not support him.

 

8 minutes ago, neeray said:

Stay tuned. Next, Trump will be stating that she can't sing, that she's ugly and her career is failing.  Standard Trump procedure for anyone who does not support him.

 

Yep, trump's pathetic

15 minutes ago, ezzra said:

Events like broke a fingernail, bad selfy, a catfight with other divas, and horror of horrors wardrobe  malfunction, so now this songbird think that somehow her political opinion matter...

You think with all her followers she will not have influence? Now if all the other celebrities start taking to Twitter in a similar vein that is a mighty big opposition to Trump, that is why he is getting the twitters!

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Trump likes Taylor Swift 'about 25 percent less'

Well, I guess I like her 75% more after that, and guess what, I don't like Trump at all!

 I don't agree with Clint Eastwood's political views at all. Does this make me like his films less? No. He is a great director.

 Taylor Swift? Has Trump ever listened to her music? Doubt it. He is already whack enough without it.

8 minutes ago, Emster23 said:

 I don't agree with Clint Eastwood's political views at all. Does this make me like his films less? No. He is a great director.

 Taylor Swift? Has Trump ever listened to her music? Doubt it. He is already whack enough without it.

I've got to agree with you.  I enjoy music and acting regardless of political leanings.   I don't pay too much attention to their political stances.  

 

US politics today ????

Good for you Taylor use your fame to rally  and unite to help us deliver ourselves from this dangerous clown

2 minutes ago, Tug said:

Good for you Taylor use your fame to rally  and unite to help us deliver ourselves from this dangerous clown

Hopefully thousands of other celebs will do the same (as some are already doing). Their message will be heard louder than some boring politicians message.

Trump is one of the most dangerous a**holes in this world. And acting like a little spoild child.

I hope he is soonest out of his JOB as i cant understand any US citizens following and voting for him...but well the world get's more of this kind of Trump politicians! Be aware of them!

5 hours ago, ezzra said:

Events like broke a fingernail, bad selfy, a catfight with other divas, and horror of horrors wardrobe  malfunction, so now this songbird think that somehow her political opinion matter...

 

She has exactly the same right to state her her own political opinion as you do. If her opinion doesn't matter why do you think that yours does.

 

If you don't like her opinion, simply respect it and move on with YOUR life. There is no need to insult people just because YOU don't like their politics.

6 hours ago, ezzra said:

Events like broke a fingernail, bad selfy, a catfight with other divas, and horror of horrors wardrobe  malfunction, so now this songbird think that somehow her political opinion matter...

 

She has exactly the same right to state her her own political opinion as you do. If her opinion doesn't matter why do you think that yours does.

 

If you don't like her opinion, simply respect it and move on with YOUR life. There is no need to insult people just because YOU don't like their politics.

7 hours ago, ezzra said:

Events like broke a fingernail, bad selfy, a catfight with other divas, and horror of horrors wardrobe  malfunction, so now this songbird think that somehow her political opinion matter...

It is only these stars' large egos which make them believe that their political opinions are of such importance that the world needs to know about them and that they will influence future voters.  Why on earth would a singer's views be of any more importance than those of (for example) a car mechanic's or a painter and decorator?  The latter two would probably have far more knowledge of ordinary everyday life than a rich person.

11 minutes ago, Retiredandhappyhere said:

It is only these stars' large egos which make them believe that their political opinions are of such importance that the world needs to know about them and that they will influence future voters.  Why on earth would a singer's views be of any more importance than those of (for example) a car mechanic's or a painter and decorator?  The latter two would probably have far more knowledge of ordinary everyday life than a rich person.

Well, in a country where a TV show host can become a president.....

7 hours ago, ezzra said:

Events like broke a fingernail, bad selfy, a catfight with other divas, and horror of horrors wardrobe  malfunction, so now this songbird think that somehow her political opinion matter...

I am really asking myself, if you could get any more misogynist and condescending?

I guess, you can!

Keep trying!

????  

Edited October 9, 20187 yr by DM07

7 hours ago, ezzra said:

Events like broke a fingernail, bad selfy, a catfight with other divas, and horror of horrors wardrobe  malfunction, so now this songbird think that somehow her political opinion matter...

The most-followed Twitter accounts on Earth, ranked:

#1 Katy Perry        @ 109 million

#2 Justin Bieber   @ 105 million

#3 Barack Obama @ 101 million

#4 Rhihanna        @  87 million

#5 Taylor Swift     @  86 million

#17 Donald Trump @  55 million

https://friendorfollow.com/twitter/most-followers/

You can bet Trump is not giving up his twitter account for political use.

Why should Taylor not take the same advantage?

Bad move imo Taylor, you were right before when you thought getting political is a bad idea. You are entitled to your opinion of course (although I'm slightly surprised one of your advisers didn't rein in this idea), but when celebs choose political sides it affects their entertainment image as you inevitably will alienate a large bunch of people whichever side of the fence you jump down on which were fine with you before...better to keep sitting on it (the fence) as then you don't get judged on that front (and a large section of people interested in/fans of you would probably be so crushed they might think life isn't worth living anymore at that age). Stick to music and entertainment as you are not high profile for your politics, it's because the teeny pop brigade and mum likes you...that's what you are famous for and let the judgment of you be confined to that area. However, your show, just that I wouldn't have done it.

Edited October 9, 20187 yr by Sir Dude
Typos

I don't know from Taylor Swift but I do like "trump" 25 percent less for saying that. So go figure. 25 percent of bupkis.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

5 hours ago, oilinki said:

US politics today ????

Oh, Taylor!

10 minutes ago, Sir Dude said:

Bad move imo Taylor, you were right before when you thought getting political is a bad idea. You are entitled to your opinion of course (although I'm slightly surprised one of your advisers didn't rein in this idea), but when celebs choose political sides it affects their entertainment image as you inevitably will alienate a large bunch of people whichever side of the fence you jump down on which were fine with you before...better to keep sitting on it (the fence) as then you don't get judged on that front (and a large section of people interested in/fans of you would probably be so crushed they might think life isn't worth living anymore at that age). Stick to music and entertainment as you are not high profile for your politics, it's because the teeny pop brigade and mum likes you...that's what you are famous for and let the judgment of you be confined to that area. However, your show, just that I wouldn't have done it.

Completely breaks down when one thinks of Arnie.

1 hour ago, Sir Dude said:

Bad move imo Taylor, you were right before when you thought getting political is a bad idea. You are entitled to your opinion of course (although I'm slightly surprised one of your advisers didn't rein in this idea), but when celebs choose political sides it affects their entertainment image as you inevitably will alienate a large bunch of people whichever side of the fence you jump down on which were fine with you before...better to keep sitting on it (the fence) as then you don't get judged on that front (and a large section of people interested in/fans of you would probably be so crushed they might think life isn't worth living anymore at that age). Stick to music and entertainment as you are not high profile for your politics, it's because the teeny pop brigade and mum likes you...that's what you are famous for and let the judgment of you be confined to that area. However, your show, just that I wouldn't have done it.

Hmmm, what you say seems logical...but perhaps not.  Trump haters outnumber Trump supporters by a sizable margin, but they're just not as vocal.  Look at what happened to Nike after they signed Colin Kaepernick (the anti-Trump, if there ever was one).  Nike sales have been going up ever since.  As for Taylor Swift, sure the white nationalists and alt-right are pissed-off about it.  But they ain't the majority of Americans.

2 hours ago, Retiredandhappyhere said:

It is only these stars' large egos which make them believe that their political opinions are of such importance that the world needs to know about them and that they will influence future voters.  Why on earth would a singer's views be of any more importance than those of (for example) a car mechanic's or a painter and decorator?  The latter two would probably have far more knowledge of ordinary everyday life than a rich person.

You mean like the orange one?

What's truly bizarre - or perhaps not given who they are and how they arrive at their beliefs - is a contingent of right wingers who, as is their wont, had convinced themselves on the basis of absolutely nothing that Swift was with them:

‘A betrayal beyond words’: The far right melts down over Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Democrats

Taylor Swift’s declaration that she plans to vote for Democrats next month fell like a hammer across the Trump-worshipping subforums of the far-right Internet, where people had convinced themselves, for reasons it will take some time to explain, that the world-famous pop star was a secret #MAGA fan.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/10/08/betrayal-beyond-words-far-right-melts-down-over-taylor-swifts-endorsement-democrats/?utm_term=.7e7a64be2f52

And then there's this bit of conspiracy theorizing from Fox:

https://video.foxnews.com/v/5845909352001/?#sp=show-clips

 

 

2 hours ago, Berkshire said:

Hmmm, what you say seems logical...but perhaps not.  Trump haters outnumber Trump supporters by a sizable margin, but they're just not as vocal.  Look at what happened to Nike after they signed Colin Kaepernick (the anti-Trump, if there ever was one).  Nike sales have been going up ever since.  As for Taylor Swift, sure the white nationalists and alt-right are pissed-off about it.  But they ain't the majority of Americans.

You could be right...all will be revealed in the November midterms. Guess that will put it to bed and will be interesting to see what happens. 

12 hours ago, webfact said:

cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans,

Yeah I heard that Trumps latest policy is that if your one legged and dark skinned then you miss out. Yeah. Naah, people are just writing the usual go to pc nonsense. 

The elites have everyone's attention and their chance to be heard and that's the best they can do?

Say the word racist and curse?  Must be better trash on Trump than that, that affects his ability to make America Great.

Disciplined policy. Amazing fighter. Go Trump!

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Retiredandhappyhere said:

It is only these stars' large egos which make them believe that their political opinions are of such importance that the world needs to know about them and that they will influence future voters.  Why on earth would a singer's views be of any more importance than those of (for example) a car mechanic's or a painter and decorator?  The latter two would probably have far more knowledge of ordinary everyday life than a rich person.

 

Then again, why should it be any less important?

51 minutes ago, billd766 said:

 

Then again, why should it be any less important?

Not less, it's much more important.  Likeable rich and famous tend to control the masses quite well. Look at MJ,  he was able to hypnotize millions around the world by grabbing his crotch. And while doing it brought peace to the world.

I miss you Michael.

But they should keep it sensible. Maybe start talking about why Trump is or isn't supporting building more schools, hospitals or things like that.

 

46 minutes ago, stud858 said:

Not less, it's much more important.  Likeable rich and famous tend to control the masses quite well. Look at MJ,  he was able to hypnotize millions around the world by grabbing his crotch. And while doing it brought peace to the world.

I miss you Michael.

But they should keep it sensible. Maybe start talking about why Trump is or isn't supporting building more schools, hospitals or things like that.

 

Right or wrong, these celebs have a following that a politician would die for. Their voices are heard. They will have an impact.

Sorry Donald, they play for a different team than yours.