Taylor Swift hangs out with Trumpists at the US Open. No problem! Friendships with people who think differently are legal.
From left: Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift, Britney, and Patrick Mahomes at the US Open in New York. Photo: David Lobel/imago
Should we, as a public, acknowledge the hysterical diversity of our achievements? Or should we simply engage in the debate surrounding the most important democratic election in the world, the American election, with the presidency as the crown jewel of the vote: the decision between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump?
The current debate at stake is about Miss America, Taylor Swift, and the female idol who does everything right, not just in America, but also in terms of moral and ethical standards and lifestyle, what should and should not be done to ensure a decent life.
Event: In a photo taken at the US Open in New York, Swift can be seen wrapping her arms around Britney Mahomes like a friend, a typical modern gesture of friendly solidarity. And it was just too much for some in the Swiftie bubble. Didn’t Mahomes recently announce her friendship with Donald Trump, as evidenced by her social media likes?
And Trump himself said, “I’m so grateful to the beautiful Brittany Mahomes and MAGA for supporting me. (Make America Great Again, editor, 2016 Trump campaign slogan.) “The largest and most powerful political movement in the history of our country, which is now collapsing, has been defending it so fervently.”
Kiss of Death for Mahomes
It was certainly the kiss of death for Mahomes to re-enter the largely democratic-minded youth movement. But more importantly for this discourse, Swifties are not only criticizing the artist for not making it yet, but, yes, more than that, they are not immediately cutting ties with, as you can see, an obvious Trump supporter.
Those of you who, including Taz readers, think this debate is not as important as the pop culture that is beyond your taste should take note: A significant part of the art system in America, Hollywood, has always voted for ideas put forward by Democratic candidates with racial prowess.
Anyone who pays tribute to a Republican candidate (or even president) has to be very good to stay at the top of the star system, like Clint Eastwood. Democrats (and thus Kamala Harris) almost automatically rely on Hollywood’s support and the willingness of the Clooneys, Streisands, Redfords and Pitts to donate.
Statement not yet released
But the current gold standard is Taylor Swift, who campaigned fervently for Joe Biden four years ago but mostly against Donald Trump. She said of her platform at the time: “Having fanned the flames of white supremacy and racism throughout your presidency, do you have the audacity to pretend moral superiority before threatening violence?”
No such statement has been made about Kamala Harris yet. And that is still hopeful. For the time being, there remains excitement about showing favor to Brittany Mahomes (both partners are prominent American football players). Is it acceptable to be friends with someone who is not on the same political spectrum? Is it moral to not only find people on the other side okay, but also to ennoble them with an embrace, not secretly? Finally, is it ruining one’s life to value friendship more than shared political consensus?
On the other hand, according to all that is known, Mr. Mohammed did not sympathize with Vladimir Putin or the Iranian religious leaders, but with the candidate of a party that, if not necessarily recognized, must at least prove its political merits in a democratic system.
Swift starts a debate once again.
Trump is understandably repulsive on all fronts, but his voters love him. For example, he has political answers that don’t align with the answers of Kamala Harris on things like wokeness, immigration, etc. Tax policy. His voters are not the ghosts of Nazi mobs by any means, even if some of them think they are.
So Taylor Swift has started a discourse again. And discourse that is particularly dedicated to the left-liberal and left-of-center spectrum is very relevant to the times. If there is such a thing as contact guilt, it is morally damaging to yourself. You get along well with people who have different opinions. You get along well? And you want to continue doing this?
Only Taylor Swift can say this explicitly. Only Taylor Swift can compete with the overall public power of the community she belongs to. If she said, “Britney is great, fuck the rest!” she would be almost immortal.
