Taylor Swift reveals political views as she endorses Democrat candidates in Tennessee

Taylor Swift has previously been quiet on her political allegiances
Invision/AP
Jacob Jarvis8 October 2018

Taylor Swift has revealed her political persuasions in a detailed message urging her fans to vote.

Ahead of the midterm elections for Congress members in the United States, the pop star stated she will be backing the Democratic party representatives in Tennessee.

The 28-year-old chart topper, known for tracks such as 22 and Shake It Off, has previously remained quiet ahead of the November 6 vote.

But, taking to Instragram, she publicly aired her support of Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives.

She wrote: “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.

“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.”

Taylor Swift has said she will vote for Phil Bredesen
AP

Swift went on to detail the voting record of Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn and stated this “appals and terrifies” her.

Expanding on this, she detailed Ms Blackburn’s stance against gay marriage and her position on policies such as the Violence Against Women Act, which she voted against in the Senate when it was proposed to expand to cover more groups and acts such as stalking.

Swift added: “These are not MY Tennessee values.”

The Evening Standard has contacted Ms Blackburn’s campaign team for comment.

Taylor Swift has said the voting record of Marsha Blackburn "terrifies" her 
REUTERS

Ending her post, Ms Swift pleaded with people to “educate” themselves on candidates in their areas and directed them to where they can register to vote, wishing them “happy voting!”

The statement comes as a change to Swift's usual policy of remaining quite on party persuasions.

In 2008 she told Rolling Stone magazine: “I don’t think it’s my job to try and influence people which way they should vote.”

Following Swift's post, Mr Bredesen has thanked her for her support.

On Twitter, he wrote: “Thank you for the kind words @taylorswift13. I’m honored to have your support and that of so many Tennesseans who are ready to put aside the partisan shouting and get things done. We’re ready for it.”

He also reminded voters in Tennessee that October 9 is the last day they can register to vote in the midterms.

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