February 1, 2024

The NYT article "Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce and a MAGA Meltdown" is a tad disingenuous.

The politics writer, Jonathan Weisman, informs us that Taylor Swift "is driving the movement behind Donald Trump bonkers" and then tries to explain why.

Just 3 days ago, I was blogging about a NYT article that went on and on about how fervently Biden supporters hoped for a Taylor Swift endorsement. I thought it was embarrassing and pathetic that the Biden people were resorting to stirring up hope for their failing candidate by touting the prospect of a pop star endorsement.

But now, here's an article about how Trump supporters are getting out in front of the potential endorsement with an effort that seems fine-tuned to serve either of 2 entirely rational goals: 1. Persuade Taylor Swift to withhold her endorsement, or 2. Minimize the value of any endorsement.

If the endorsement is as valuable as the NYT portrayed it in the article on January 29th — "Inside Biden’s Anti-Trump Battle Plan (and Where Taylor Swift Fits In)" — then there's nothing "bonkers" about the Trump preemptive strike.

I'd be inclined to advise Swift to stay out of politics. I'd quote Bob Dylan: "I think politics is an instrument of the Devil. Just that clear. I think politics is what kills; it doesn’t bring anything alive. Politics is corrupt; I mean, anybody knows that." You're an artist. Preserve your artist power. Don't squander it.

But there must be those much closer to her who are saying that another Trump presidency will destroy the world, and she could, perhaps, simply by saying one sentence, push Biden to victory. How can you not say that one sentence? How can you hold yourself aloof when you have the power to save us and all the world is crying out for you to say that one line?!

101 comments:

Doc g said...

Maga people don’t give a crap about Taylor swift. All we want to do is watch football. Even she wants to be left alone

n.n said...

NYT swiftly taylors a handmade tale in order to color the political climate.

RAS743 said...

It’s the Michael Jordan rule for celebrities and politics. Asked why he didn’t opine publicly about politics, he was succinct: “Republicans wear sneakers, too.”

RMc said...

The New York Times is not a tad anything.

Rusty said...

Why does the left always rely on people who can barely be described as sentient?
"Hi, Taylor. Have you met Greta?"

Yancey Ward said...

Her endorsement would be meaningless and everyone knows it.

gilbar said...

speaking as a Taylor Swift fan (and owner of her first four albums)..
Taylor is FAMOUS for (and REALLY GOOD AT) writing songs about her terrible choice in men.

The Best Thing Taylor could do for resident Biden, is fall in love with President Trump and be jilted

Kate said...

The Left has worked hard for over a decade to make Biden look cool. They won't stop now.

Yancey Ward said...

And, yes, it is pathetic to be publicly seeking her endorsement.

tim maguire said...

For every right winger on my twitter feed hating on Taylor Swift, there are at least 5 left wingers dunking on righties for hating on Taylor Swift.

It's always been stupid, but now that I know it started in the Times (not only do I not believe any significant number of righties are hating on Taylor Swift, I also don't believe any significant number of lefties are hoping for a Swift endorsement), it's become funny stupid.

Aggie said...

One of the most insightful things I know about Taylor Swift was in a story about Sam Bankman-Fried, and FTX. Early on in the initial discovery of the scandal, there was quite a bit of reporting on the beneficiaries of SBF's largesse, notably the Democratic Party and several prominent politicians of both stripes, but mostly Democrat. As the institution collapsed, there were a few 'woe' stories about the various individuals - politicians and celebrities, notably - that had invested into FTX and been cheated out of their money when it collapsed. I won't go into the demographics or sensibilities of this group, but it was consistent. What caught my eye was the parting comment noting that Taylor Swift had been one of the prospective suckers, and that she had taken a hard look at FTX and said, unequivocally, 'No'. I give Taylor Swift marks for an intellectual depth that I didn't know about.

So I tend to think she will continue to be 'inconsistent' with the useful celebrity type that would rush in to support a Democrat cause without thinking about it too hard.

Gusty Winds said...

Swift already waded into the 2020 election with her photo holding "Biden 2020" cookies and a few other posts. One video was her talking to her dad as if she really had an informed opinion.

It just seems too convenient that Travis Kelce is pushing the Pfizer clot shot, and he and Taylor Swift are in your face. Just close the bedroom doors and be done with it.

Who would be dumb enough to vote for Biden just because Taylor Swift said so? "Swifties" I guess. Same idiots that worship Bruce Springsteen and every other liberal shithead rocker and Hollywood actor.

Joe Smith said...

@RAS743

This is the correct position.

M Jordan said...

And that one sentence is, “Travis Kelce has convinced me that Trump is okay.”

Gusty Winds said...

MAGA is not "melting down" over this. Jack Posobiec seems to be leading the anti-Swift/Kelce charge...

...and he's usually not wrong. Once you see modern America through the constant manipulated political propaganda lens, it's easy to understand.

Kai Akker said...

---How can you hold yourself aloof when you have the power to save us and all the world is crying out for you to say that one line?!

Thinking would be a good start.

John henry said...

I had not realized until last night that Taylor swift is in bed with George soros.

So says Scott Adams.

Looking deeper this morning, she kinda, sorta, is. Soros financed the purchase of Swifts back catalog by another music producer. So indirectly soros sort of owns her.

I wonder if soros' involvement has anything to do with this kerfuffle. Conspiracy theories abound!

Why would swift hook up, even unwillingly with a National Socialist collaborator?

Wince said...

If there's a Swift endorsement, it'll be a last minute photo with a batch of Biden cookies, or something like that.

Why would she get out in front when it's uncertain what parade of horribles will follow or whether Biden will even make it to the finish line?

Gusty Winds said...

another Trump presidency will destroy the world, and she could, perhaps, simply by saying one sentence, push Biden to victory.

Although successful in her own right, she is going to be 2024's Greta Thunberg.

The risk is, if she states this lie publicly, knowing nothing...she could actually help destroy the world.

Leland said...

NYT needs to calm down.

rhhardin said...

I skipped the normally amusing Bulwark channel's MAGA RAGES Against Taylor Swift as being too stupid to sit through but what do I know.

hombre said...

Now that Taylor is a billionaire and is with a man, not a metrosexual, she may decide she doesn't need the adulation of the lefties and stay out of it.

Regardless, people stupid enough to vote for Biden because of a Taylor Swift endorsement are already in his camp.

iowan2 said...

I caught the this latest propaganda blitz on Tuesday. I had a presentation to make 2.5 hours from home and had time to cycle through the 3 cable news feeds on satellite radio.

I instantly spotted the propaganda pushed by the left about conservatives claiming Swift Kelcie PR was a DNC undercover operation. Then they played a clip of Jesse Waters, doing his trademark, mocking/sarcasm.
The media is scrambling trying to find content that doesn't demonstrate how bad the Biden White House is performing. So they just invent stuff out of thin air.

This, Make America Great supporter,(how did that become a political smear) cares not a whit about Swift, She is free to support who ever. Getting "Swifties" (25-35 yo white women)to register is far afield from getting them to the polls. To polls to vote for dementia Joe.

Gunner said...

The Times is just outraged that Republicans are trying to win and not be good losers like the McCain and Romney teams.

mccullough said...

What’s in it for Swift?

Mark said...

Trump has a problem attracting younger female voters, so the best idea is to have a bunch of boomer men 'warn' Taylor Swift about speaking her opinion.

Brilliant strategy lol

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

“How can you hold yourself aloof when you have the power to save us and all the world is crying out for you to say that one line?!“

Taylor is a cat 🐱

Taylor did it to herself 😹

The campaign has not really started yet and I’m having fun.

Old and slow said...

All so-called news stories seem to come directly from X these days. And they wonder why newsrooms are closing up shop.

Butkus51 said...

Bloodlust for killing babies Trumps all.

PM said...

As a response, Republicans should convince Netanyahu to televise an effusive thank-you to President Biden for his continuing support and weaponization of Israel in its effort to wipe Hamas off the face of the earth. It'd drive the left nuts.

Barbara said...

If she’s as smart as she seems, she’ll follow Dolly’s lead and stay out of it.

Kevin said...

Trump has driven the NYT bonkers.

The entire enterprise has gone "on tilt".

Charlie said...

Joe Biden will save the world?

We've reached peak idiocracy.

Rich said...

They’re elevating her [Swift] 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!" ~ Newsmax host Greg Kelly

If Greg Kelly switched 'her' for 'him' he could be talking about Trump's fan base.

Women went +15 Biden in 2020 and accounted for 53% of votes. Can the GOP win if that swings to +20 or +25?

Narr said...

There's financial and political gain to be made if Tay-Tay's opinions can be made important to the populace in general. Maybe not for her, but for the usual manipulators.



Leland said...

Maybe Taylor should go see the next Kathy Griffin show before deciding to promote a political side.

Esteban said...

What, exactly, is the upside for Swift to endorse any politician? It's a no win for her.

Bob Boyd said...

Maybe I should listen to a Taylor Swift song.
Any suggestions?

wendybar said...

I don't know anybody who cares about the Taylor Swift/ Travis Kelce love affair. It's their life. I don't really care about the NFL, after Colin Kaepernick ruined it, and they started their BLACK National Anthem. There is only one National Anthem, and catering to RACISTS isn't helping them, so if Taylor can get people watching this spectacle, more power to her.

Bob Boyd said...

This is like an ex-girlfriend saying: "I saw my ex today, but I pretended I didn't. He was acting like he didn't care that I didn't say Hi back, but I could tell it really got to him."

NorthOfTheOneOhOne said...

But now, here's an article about how Trump supporters are getting out in front of the potential endorsement with an effort that seems fine-tuned to serve either of 2 entirely rational goals: 1. Persuade Taylor Swift to withhold her endorsement, or 2. Minimize the value of any endorsement.

Meh. Granted, I don't see everything online, but from what I saw it seemed to me that most of the Taylor Swift commentary from the Right was snark. I mean, this wouldn't be the first time a popular entertainer endorsed a political candidate, would it? That didn't stop Anderson Cooper and CNN from using this for some self-comfort gaslighting a couple of days back, though.

Rabel said...

There's definitely an effort to convince me to be hate Taylor Swift. But it's not coming from "MAGA" forces.

It's coming from scumbag clickbaiters at PJ Media and the like who are doing it because that is what they do - sell advertising by creating outrage with lies. It is about money, not politics.

A few here have been suckered in.

Bob Boyd said...

Thx, Meade. That's great.

ACAS - All cops are Swifties?

baghdadbob said...

Professor Ann said:

"I thought it was embarrassing and pathetic that the Biden people were resorting to stirring up hope for their failing candidate by touting the prospect of a pop star endorsement."

Did you find it embarrassing and pathetic when will.i.am led a small army of celebs in chanting (note: I despise chanting) "yes we can" in that youtube music video supporting, as Oprah called him, "The One?"

A big slice of American voters found it deep and inspiring.

narciso said...

his name is a killing word

as I spelled out elsewhere
the Quantum fund owns her catalog
she endorsed him before
she is all about the men who pretend to be women
she is a hypocrite on climate change
she campaigned against her senator
her significant other is signed for phizer
you connect the dots,

Rich said...

Gusty Winds wrote: “Jack Posobiec seems to be leading the anti-Swift/Kelce charge.”

Pizza-gate Posobiec? That Jack Posobiec???

“And he's usually not wrong.” adds Gusty Winds…..

Hating and reviling Taylor Swift seems like a very dumb strategy. But bear in mind that hate is an extremely powerful and effective way to engage people and bind them to you, and that it’s what this segment of the modern Right does best. Taylor Swift is as good an icon of modernity as anyone.

Tom T. said...

Swift is perhaps the biggest celebrity in the US right now. Her fans are legion and devoted. The vast majority of those fans are female, but this includes lots of conservative women, given Swift's emergence from country-music roots and generally clean presentation, as well as a lot of girl dads. Her endorsement of Biden ordinarily would mean little because everyone understands that Swift is working in a left-wing industry with a primarily left-wing fan base. She would not be a political problem for Republicans, because she is far from outspoken or insistent about her politics.

Given all this, it makes zero political sense to "get out in front of" Swift and pick a public fight with her many, many fans. It's pressuring her to make a much bigger deal of her endorsement than she otherwise probably would, and push her fans even harder against Trump. Posobiec knows this, but he's doing it anyway, because it's a way of raising his own personal profile. In other words, he's deliberately making himself look stupid and hurting the party he claims to support, just to get clicks. Certainly, that's par for the course with political pundits, but keep in it mind when evaluating anything he writes.

Rusty said...

rhhardin said...
"I skipped the normally amusing Bulwark channel's MAGA RAGES Against Taylor Swift as being too stupid to sit through but what do I know."
No. You're good.

Big Mike said...

But now, here's an article about how Trump supporters are getting out in front of the potential endorsement with an effort that seems fine-tuned to serve either of 2 entirely rational goals: 1. Persuade Taylor Swift to withhold her endorsement, or 2. Minimize the value of any endorsement.

Isn’t the type of person who could be persuaded to vote for Joe Biden because of Taylor Swift’s endorsement the same type of person who was already planning to vote for him anyway? Because the one person most rational people would turn to for political advice is an individual who made enough money to buy a medium-sized state (and not notice she spent the money) by singing about her terrible choices in men, right?

Rusty said...

rhhardin said...
"I skipped the normally amusing Bulwark channel's MAGA RAGES Against Taylor Swift as being too stupid to sit through but what do I know."
No. You're good.

tim in vermont said...

This is like one big "Let's all feign outrage at each other" party.

Original Mike said...

"The politics writer, Jonathan Weisman, informs us that Taylor Swift "is driving the movement behind Donald Trump bonkers" and then tries to explain why."

Anything written by the NYT "explaining" what's going on with Trump supporters is obviously written with one thing in mind, and that thing is not to inform.

tommyesq said...

There is considerable potential downside to Swift - (a) why alienate a significant percentage of your fan base (see, e.g., get woke go broke) and (b) why risk endorsing a guy who has a strong chance of losing and demonstrating that this assumed, mythical power and influence does not actually exist?

Balfegor said...

She can do what she likes, I suppose. As with most pop singers in the news, I know her only as a face and a name, but she seems to have incredibly broad appeal, given how many news reports there were last year about her tour single-handedly reinvigorating the hospitality industry wherever she passed. I suspect her appeal is pretty broad, politically, and it probably wouldn't be in her commercial interest to make it narrow and sectarian by endorsing an extremely unpopular and poorly regarded President, even vs a challenger who is almost as disliked.

The people publicly urging her to boost Biden are, I think, trying to create an environment where she risks losing a big chunk of her fandom if she fails to comply. And the Trump supporters preemptively attacking her are playing into that themselves, by laying the groundwork for a narrative that she gave into pressure from Trump supporters (horror of horrors!) if she doesn't campaign for Biden. But my suspicion, based on thin evidence, is that she won't let either camp affect her -- he fanbase is a lot stronger and more resilient than either. The first time I heard of her, progressives were trying to smear her as a crypto-nazi or something (because she's blonde? Does anyone else remember this episode and why they were attacking her?) And she weathered that by ignoring them. Which is what I would guess she'll do here.

loudogblog said...

I wonder if they're trying to shame Taylor Swift into endorsing Biden by implying that if she doesn't, then she is doing what MAGA wants her to do.

lamech said...

More important news: Politico just published "MAGA World Is About to Meet Taylor Swift’s Fandom. It Won’t Go Well" -- an interview with "Taylor Swift expert Brian Donovan" ... "a University of Kansas professor who teaches a popular college course called 'The Sociology of Taylor Swift.'"


Reminds me of Norm MacDonald:
"now this might strike some viewers as harsh, but I believe everyone involved in this story should die"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SDYd2e9pT4

rhhardin said...

Nobody talks about Liz and Richard anymore.

Kai Akker said...

---Looking deeper this morning, she kinda, sorta, is. Soros financed the purchase of Swifts back catalog by another music producer. So indirectly soros sort of owns her. [jh]

She has spent many hours re-recording her music to get the ownership back. See this:

https://time.com/5949979/why-taylor-swift-is-rerecording-old-albums/

She can do anything.

@Bob Boyd: Red is my personal favorite. The video for Look What You Made Me Do is terrific.
From her earlier days, We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together is fun.

Narr said...

Balfegor said "The first time I heard of her, progressives were trying to smear her as a crypto-nazi or something . . . . anyone else remember this episode?"

Maybe not that particular thing, but I was visiting an old friend in '18 when Taylor Swift came up and he--a progressive to the bone--started off on how right-wing her work and message are yadda yadda.

"Huh," I replied, and changed the subject.



Meade said...

“ ACAS - All cops are Swifties?”

Not sure I’d go quite that far, Bob.

But, anecdotally, that video was shared with me by a family member — male, conservative lawyer, born in the 50’s, reluctant Trump voter (twice, I’m pretty sure) who does not self-identify as a Swifty.

Another life-long friend, also a conservative lawyer/prosecutor, PhD English Lit, soon to be 3X Trump voter who DOES proudly identify as a Swifty, was first person to recommend I give Shake It Off a listen.

So there’s a couple data points for you.

One more. Me — also born in the 50’s, low-educated, redneck, will crawl through salty sandy unshoveled icy sidewalks and back to vote against Joe Biden and the black-pill class — not a Swifty per se but I do enjoy her Tiny Desk concert and her less-produced efforts. I couldn’t care less who her boyfriend is or what she might think of me for wanting to make America great some more.

Not a cop — duh — but I suppose I do sometimes play like I am one, on the internet, whenever anyone is insanely mean towards my darling Professor Mrs. Meade. (Who, as you know, was also born sometime during the fifties.)

rehajm said...

Behold the power of Taylor Swift: My wife bought Taylor Swift's house for a client! There. One truth just upped my Swiftie Score™ a pantload. The desperados at Camp Weekend at Biden's are on the right track...

Freder Frederson said...

Why does the left always rely on people who can barely be described as sentient?

Are you actually contending that Taylor Swift "can barely be described as sentient"? If you are, you are a fucking moron

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Her smart move is to stay out of it.

A funny or edgy move would be to say both old men suck - RFK jr is the way to go.

Freder Frederson said...

The first time I heard of her, progressives were trying to smear her as a crypto-nazi or something (because she's blonde? Does anyone else remember this episode and why they were attacking her?) And she weathered that by ignoring them. Which is what I would guess she'll do here.

Sheesh, you have this completely backwards. It was the right that was touting her as part of the "silent majority" and that she was secretly conservative. But of course, then she released "You Need to Calm Down", which smashed that fantasy.

Gunner said...

I am old enough to remember when lefties hated Taylor Swift and loved Kanye West.

AZ Bob said...

Media is in lock step with the LA Times front page today touting:

"Taylor, Travis and MAGA's Fake Super Bowl Plot."

Michael K said...

Blogger tommyesq said...

There is considerable potential downside to Swift - (a) why alienate a significant percentage of your fan base (see, e.g., get woke go broke) and (b) why risk endorsing a guy who has a strong chance of losing and demonstrating that this assumed, mythical power and influence does not actually exist?


The "Dixie Chicks" are a case in point. Bush was not as popular as Trump.

Jim at said...

How can something drive me 'bonkers' if I don't give a shit?

Ralph L said...

Dover police dash cam video

The left probably painted TS as a deplorable to make her come out as a goodwhite.

Krumhorn said...

But there must be those much closer to her who are saying that another Trump presidency will destroy the world, and she could, perhaps, simply by saying one sentence, push Biden to victory. How can you not say that one sentence? How can you hold yourself aloof when you have the power to save us and all the world is crying out for you to say that one line?!

Good prose there, Ann! I've been a Swift admirer for a number of years. Not so much her music (not really my style), but her business savvy. While it might be tempting to attribute her business success to the excellent quality of her advisers, she's clearly in charge and drives all of the big decisions. I just cannot picture her falling under the spell of anyone telling her that it is her duty to save the world from Trump. She's just too smart and level-headed for that.

...of course, I could end up eating those words, but it's not a meal that I anticipate having to digest.

- Krumhorn

Bob Boyd said...

In my opinion, Taylor Swift is entitled to her opinion, even if doesn't make any sense. This is America. There are a lot of brilliant artists who's political opinions are very, very different from my own.

Hearing one TS song obviously doesn't qualify me as a fan, but thanks for the recommendations, guys. I'll give them a listen and who knows? Maybe I'll have a new guilty secret. What's one more?

I am a massive fan of Meade's wife though, so don't think I'll ever run afoul of the law there.

Readering said...

MAGA went bonkers long before Swift blew up.

Bob Boyd said...

Out of the half a dozen TS songs I just sampled, this one is my favorite by miles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2twcSFYlt0&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Biden is so horrid he needs coattails. Pop-star coattails a must!

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

The corrupt left media are trying to blackmail her into supporting the old husk puppet - Crook Open Border Joe.

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Jack probasic is a moron.

Tim said...

I have to go with the great Michael Jordan. Republicans buy shoes (and concert tickets and merch) too.

tim maguire said...

Freder Frederson said...Are you actually contending that Taylor Swift "can barely be described as sentient"? If you are, you are a fucking moron

Oh, man! I can’t believe you made me agree with Freder.

Freder Frederson said... It was the right that was touting her as part of the "silent majority" and that she was secretly conservative.

Well that didn’t last long.

Josephbleau said...

The Dixie Chix inform artists on the value of politics in entertainment, Neil Young as well.

Go on, hitch your billion dollar marketing project to a joe beiden star.

boatbuilder said...

I had lots of rock and roll heroes as a youth, who lost me by going political. I never took them as seriously after they popped off.

I wonder how many Taylor Swift fans are Trump supporters. And who might not be Taylor Swift fans so much anymore.

Also I think this "Republican backlash" thing is a false flag operation.

Skeptical Voter said...

I'm still dumb enough to maintain my now 49 year plus subscription to the Los Angeles Times. And I hear a lot about "right wing conspiracy theories' and "MAGA conspiracies" and even "Taylor Swift and MAGA conspiracies".

But somehow I never get the memo from all those right wing conspiracy theorists. I've never met one. I've not received a letter or an e-mail from one of those "theorists".

OTOH it seems like I only know about these things from reading the bloviated BS that the pages of the Times are filled with.

Are they just making "stuff' up? A soon to be former subscriber to the LA Times wants to know.

Drago said...

Readering: "MAGA went bonkers long before Swift blew up."

No kidding! Those MAGA types STILL dont believe the Hoax Dossier is totally for-realz and they STILL dont believe in Justice For Jussie!

(Feel free to insert and/or trade out any of the other 337 New Soviet Democratical hoaxes from the last 8 years here)

Bunkypotatohead said...

I'm waiting to see who Barbie endorses.

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Jussie Smollette is the perfect example of the left losing their minds.

Daddy Binx said...

Several years ago my job sent me to an American Greetings production facility in Ohio. At the time Ms. Swift was a paid celebrity spokesperson for American Greetings and this facility had a reserved parking space near the front lobby with Ms. Swift's name on it. Since the parking lot was nearly full, with no empty spots close to the entrance and, since Ms. Swift's spot was empty and I figured she wouldn't be using that day, I parked my rental in her spot.

So we kind of have this special connection, Taylor Swift and I.

Readering said...

Bonkers is anyone who continued to believe into 2021 and beyond that DJT won re-election.

Mutaman said...

"Who would be dumb enough to vote for Biden just because Taylor Swift said so?"

Who would be dumb enough to pay 3.5 million dollars to a lawyer who doesn't know how to mark a document for identification?

mikee said...

You hold yourself aloof from uttering that one line that will supposedly save the world because you know that doing it is a mug's game. There will always be those who want to use you for their own purposes, there is always a crisis your input can help resolve. And if you stick your prestige into one, it will be demanded for the next, and the next, and the next, endlessly, until you are excoriated for not doing enough.

As an entertainer, her value and appeal lies in entertaining us, not being used for the very transient purposes of others, and I think she may know that.

Howard (not that Howard) said...

The Kamala diagram (formerly known as Venn) of Taylor Swift fans and Biden voters is a circle. An endorsement would be like her music, pretty much pointless.

Kai Akker said...

I think she definitely knows that, mikee. Fwiw! Bob Boyd's link to her Saturday Night Live monologue, 5:27 pm above, was great and even 10 years ago at 23 or so, she makes clear she is not someone who is getting suckered in to anything, especially a potential fan-killer.

Loved how she comes out on stage like a yearling filly, all legs, seems awkward, a little uncomfortable, but trying. Then she picks up the guitar..... LOL, Taylor Swift happens.

Rusty said...

"Freder Frederson said...Are you actually contending that Taylor Swift "can barely be described as sentient"? If you are, you are a fucking moron"
OK Freder ya got me. More sentient than you. How's that?
Does she know that you're in love with her?

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

Again - this is a manufactured crisis - to blackmail Swift into supporting Barisma Joe.

Skeptical Voter said...

As noted a manufactured crisis--a hobgoblin fantasy in progressive minds. Our host refers to a WaPoo article. Yesterday's Los Angeles Times had a front page article by the Times's art and film critic. She went into great lengths about the existence of a right wing extremist MAGA conspiracy to defame the NFL, Travis and Taylor, the Super Bowl etc. It went on and on with the allegations---without citing any supporting evidence. So much for her fever dream. And I note that USA Today has now joined the baying pack.

Of course the favored progressive pejorative term is to label someone a "conspiracy theorist". So far all I can see in the Taylor Swift hoohah is a bunch of progressive or liberal outlets telling us tales without supporting evidence. They are "conspiracy theorists" indeed.

JES said...

If this is real jounalism I would like to see the quotes, with names, of the people who are "melting down."

Readering said...

Kai Akker: circulating on the internet a charming story by Seth Meyers to Howard Stern on the genesis of that TS SNL monologue/song.

Kai Akker said...

Thanks for the tip, Readering. Yes, I was wondering how much the SNL people might have provoked her into little topicals for the song. So, none or almost none, seems like the answer. And she was 19 at the time, no wonder she looked so leggy, not the 23 I had estimated er - roe - neously. She is unbelievable and I enjoy her youtubes from live performances for her amazing poise, charm and mastery of the moment on the stage. There's a great duet with Pat Monahan from Train, as a guest, live in Newark, NJ, that shows her off well. I would say she was born for this, but I know she worked like mad to get to this level. But she was born for it!

At the same time, I would not really be surprised if next month she said she was marrying Travis Kelce and would stop touring soon to have her first babies. When she decides, I think she decides.

Rich said...

The source of the problem is fairly obvious.

MAGA men want her but can't have her. So they hate her even more than the women they can get. There's not much more to it than that.

Rusty said...

Rich.
Have yoy met Freder?
You two should get along.

Rusty said...

Rich said...
"The source of the problem is fairly obvious.

MAGA men want her but can't have her. So they hate her even more than the women they can get. There's not much more to it than that."
Have you ever been told, to yor face, that your simply aren't that bright.
No?
Well let me be the first.

Rich said...

@ Rusty: Naw. It was an entirely defensible, accurate, and really minor observation. And you whining about it says far more about you than me.

Rusty said...

You proved my point.