In recent weeks, the blossoming romance between music icon Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has taken an unexpected turn. Following the team's advancement to the Super Bowl, a wave of baseless conspiracy theories flooded social media, alleging a connection between Swift, Kelce, and political plots. While these claims may seem ludicrous, they shed light on the fears held by some on the right that Swift's immense fame and influence could impact the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
Pop culture and politics have long been intertwined, with the entertainment industry often making significant political contributions. Candidates frequently harness the celebrity status of stars to enhance their own appeal. However, the actual impact of these alliances remains somewhat ambiguous. In the case of Taylor Swift, there is evidence to suggest that she can mobilize voter registration efforts. A simple Instagram post she shared last September urging her 272 million followers to register to vote led to over 35,000 registrations through the nonpartisan nonprofit organization Vote.org.
Swift's vast fan base gives her a powerful voice in shaping public opinion. A poll conducted in October 2023 by SSRS revealed that approximately 6 in 10 U.S. adults consider themselves at least casual fans of the singer, with 8% identifying as big fans. Furthermore, 8 in 10 adults were aware of Swift's relationship with Kelce, and the majority viewed it as a genuine connection rather than a publicity stunt.
Joel Penney, an associate professor at Montclair State University whose research focuses on the intersection of politics and pop culture, asserts that attention and identity are the driving forces behind modern politics. Donald Trump's unexpected presidential victory in 2016, propelled in part by his pre-existing celebrity status as a reality television star, exemplifies this relationship. Swift's potential influence within the political landscape is significant, and her endorsement of Joe Biden in the 2020 race was seen as a testament to her support.
The recent influx of conspiracy theories targeting Swift can be viewed as an attempt to neutralize her potential impact by discrediting her. The extreme nature of these claims will test the efficacy of conspiracy theories in the face of a highly influential figure like Swift. Nonetheless, Swift's influence could prove to be a formidable force, particularly if she openly declares her support for a candidate, as she did for Biden in the previous election. Paradoxically, the attacks on Swift may even stir a sense of solidarity among young voters who wish to rally around her.
According to Henry Jenkins, a professor at the University of Southern California who studies politics and pop culture, young people often engage in political discussions using the language of pop culture. This cultural connection serves as a catalyst for their engagement. Both Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have expressed their political views in ways that clash with the far-right rhetoric. In 2018, Swift broke her long-held silence on politics to endorse Democratic candidates Phil Bredesen and Rep. Jim Cooper, while openly critiquing the Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn. In 2020, she continued her political involvement by endorsing Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the need for healing in America.
Kelce, too, faced criticism for his involvement in a flu and COVID-19 vaccine ad campaign sponsored by Pfizer. As a result, he became a target for anti-vaccine activists and conspiracy theorists who have taken issue with the pharmaceutical company's vaccine development efforts.
The intertwining of pop culture and politics is not a new phenomenon. Former President Bill Clinton's appearance on MTV during his 1992 campaign, while still serving as Arkansas Governor, marked a significant moment in combining politics and entertainment. A variety of influential figures, such as Johnny Cash, Mary Tyler Moore, and Willie Nelson, endorsed former President Jimmy Carter over 40 years ago during his second presidential bid. Even Ronald Reagan's political career had its roots in his prior acting profession.
The question of whether pop culture influences politics has been answered in the affirmative throughout history. Celebrities possess the ability to shape public opinion and rally support for causes or candidates. While the conspiracy theories surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may be extreme and baseless, they underscore the genuine fears of those who recognize the potential influence that figures like Swift possess. As the 2024 presidential race looms, it remains to be seen how Swift's presence in the political arena will shape the landscape, but one thing is clear: pop culture and politics will continue to converge, influencing the actions and opinions of millions.
