Republicans have a serious Taylor Swift problems- A BIG ONE

Taylor Swift problems, Whenever I touch on pop culture in my writing, I receive emails from fellow conservatives expressing sentiments like, “I don’t go to movies” or “I don’t have cable or watch TV.”

While that’s completely fine, it can be somewhat dull. However, not having an interest in or even disliking pop culture doesn’t negate its impact on your life. It simply implies that you might not be aware of it, and it catches you off guard each time it makes its way into your surroundings.

Republicans are on the brink of facing an unexpected surge from the realm of pop culture, courtesy of Taylor Swift. The impending impact seems to catch them off guard.

Historically, Republicans have struggled to connect with younger voters, often due to a lack of genuine efforts. For instance, featuring the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee on Sunday morning shows typically only reaches the subset of twenty-somethings who dozed off with the TV on and are now too hungover to reach for the remote.

In contrast, Democrats exercise control over various facets of pop culture, using them to reinforce progressive ideals and effectively stifling dissent through the threat of professional consequences.

The right has not mounted a significant counteraction, mainly due to the lack of reliable allies. Even the conservative stronghold of country music is not immune to cancel culture. Within the industry, an artist is more likely to face criticism than receive accolades for a song like “Try That in a Small Town.”

And no, I’m not referring to sales. The demand for pro-American, pro-tradition music exists among consumers, not necessarily within the industry. Taylor Swift, however, stands out unmatched in today’s music scene. A testament to her influence is evident when her association with Kansas City Chiefs’ player Travis Kelce led to a staggering 400 percent increase in jersey sales right at the beginning of their relationship, just as the Super Bowl anticipation builds.

Swift’s ability to spark newfound interest in football, prompting fans to purchase the jersey of a player they likely hadn’t known before this season, raises the question of what she could achieve by actively rallying support for a cause.

This contemplation hasn’t escaped Democrats. In 2018, Swift endorsed Democratic former Gov. Phil Bredesen’s unsuccessful U.S. Senate run in Tennessee. In 2020, she endorsed President Joe Biden, though her star power wasn’t fully utilized in either instance, and she wasn’t as prominent a figure during those years. Today, however, Swift reigns supreme, ranking in the top five for social media presence and standing as the most influential American on social media by a wide margin.

The New York Times reports that Democrats are eyeing Taylor Swift as a potential target. If she were to delve into politics, Republicans might find themselves without a solid response. While some may argue she risks alienating part of her audience, Swift’s massive following and considerable wealth could make such concerns negligible. The prevailing thought is, if she can’t leverage her influence for a significant cause, what’s the point of amassing such a substantial following?

While Democrats already have a hold on much of the entertainment industry, figures like Stephen Colbert, with a relatively small audience, have limited impact. Taylor Swift, however, commands an audience of tens of millions, comparable to icons like the Beatles or Elvis. A single word from her could potentially sway opinions or, even more remarkably, generate interest in someone like Biden.

Facing a Democratic mouthpiece in Swift, Republicans may struggle to find a response. Kid Rock, a Detroit favorite, doesn’t quite match up to Swift’s influence. Donald Trump might need to resist his inclination to counterattack, as doing so could only galvanize her fanbase. Older conservative commentators won’t resonate with Swift’s audience, so Republicans might need to shift their focus to other voter demographics.

Effectively countering Swift’s potential influence would demand a clear message and discipline – traits not necessarily synonymous with the Republican party. However, if they can’t navigate this challenge, Swift’s involvement may already signal the end of the game for Republicans.