In the world of politics, there are always moments that make you stop and say, “Really?” This week, we had one of those moments when Taylor Swift, one of the most influential celebrities of our time, endorsed Kamala Harris for president in the 2024 election. Swift, known for using her platform to stand up for what she believes in, expressed her support for Harris, making a direct reference to J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, and his controversial comments about “childless cat ladies.”
Swift’s message was powerful: “With love and hope, Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady.” This was her way of reclaiming the phrase that Vance used in a demeaning manner to criticize women who don’t have children. Instead of backing down, Swift used it to fuel her endorsement of Harris and Tim Walz, citing their defense of women’s rights.
However, what really got people talking wasn’t just Swift’s endorsement—it was Vance’s response. Appearing on Fox News, Vance stated, “I don’t think many people are going to be influenced by a billionaire celebrity who I think is disconnected from the interests and problems of most Americans.”
Vance: “I don’t think most Americans are going to be influenced by a billionaire celebrity who is fundamentally disconnected from the interests and problems of most Americans”
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 11, 2024
And just like that, Twitter exploded with reactions, many pointing out the glaring irony of his statement. For starters, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Donald Trump, Vance’s running mate, is a billionaire celebrity. Trump’s entire political career was built on his fame as a real estate mogul and reality TV star. It’s hard to overlook the fact that Vance’s comment about “billionaire celebrities” being disconnected could just as easily describe Trump. The irony here is rich, and many people were quick to point it out.
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Twitter erupted with reactions. One user, @SwissWatchGuy, hit the nail on the head: “Once again I say JD Vance has a knack for accidentally delivering the most spot on critical assessments of Trump.”
Once again I say JD Vance has a knack for accidentally delivering the most spot on critical assessments of Trump.
— Peter Henlein (@SwissWatchGuy) September 11, 2024
The hypocrisy is hard to ignore. How can Vance criticize Swift, calling her a “billionaire celebrity,” while Trump embodies exactly what Vance is condemning? This wasn’t lost on Twitter user @cateyes651, who tweeted: “Irony just heaved, sputtered, collapsed, and died.”
Irony just heaved, sputtered, collapsed, and died.
— NERDYCAT (@cateyes651) September 11, 2024
And that’s exactly the point. Vance’s statement shows a complete lack of self-awareness, as noted by @LemonSturgis: “Is it possible to have negative self-awareness?”
Is it possible to have negative self-awareness?
— Lemon Sturgis! (@LemonSturgis) September 11, 2024
But beyond the irony, Vance’s comment also reveals a larger issue: the Republican Party’s failure to connect with young voters. By dismissing Swift and her fans, Vance is ignoring a huge part of the electorate. In 2020, young voters turned out in record numbers, with 61% supporting Joe Biden. This generation cares deeply about issues like climate change, reproductive rights, and social justice—issues that Taylor Swift has championed for years. By writing off her influence, Vance and the Republican Party are underestimating the power of young people.
Twitter user @Spilled_Over summed it up perfectly: “From a guy who is disconnected and not interested in the problems and struggles of most Americans.”
From a guy who is disconnected and not interested in the problems and struggles of most Americans.
— Unsupervised Troublemaker 🇺🇸🦅 (@Spilled_Over) September 11, 2024
Let’s not forget that Trump himself has spent years showing how out of touch he is with ordinary Americans. A 2021 ProPublica report revealed that Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes in both 2016 and 2017. Meanwhile, the average American taxpayer paid roughly $12,400 in 2020, according to the IRS. If anyone is “disconnected” from the problems of most Americans, it’s Trump.
Moreover, Trump’s reliance on celebrity endorsements has been a hallmark of his political strategy. From Kanye West to Hulk Hogan, Trump has consistently used fame to his advantage. As Vance criticizes Swift, he conveniently forgets that Trump himself is a product of celebrity culture, one who has used it to gain political power.
Taylor Swift’s support for Kamala Harris is more than just a celebrity endorsement—it’s a signal that young people care about the future of this country, and they’re ready to make their voices heard.
Featured image via Screengrab
