A newly released 2011 audio clip from “60 Minutes” offers a glimpse into a young Taylor Swift’s mindset on politics. At just 21, Swift expressed no desire to sing about political issues, a stark contrast to her more recent music and activism, where she has used her platform to speak on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and political endorsements.
- Early Reluctance: In the newly unearthed audio, Swift shared that she didn’t feel inspired to write songs about politics or the economy, claiming those themes didn’t “fit into a chorus.”
- Political Transformation: Swift’s views evolved over the years. In 2018, she began endorsing political candidates and released the song “Only the Young,” inspired by the 2018 midterms.
- Advocacy Through Music: Since then, Swift has written several politically charged songs, including LGBTQ+ anthem “You Need to Calm Down” and “The Man,” a critique of gender inequality.
- Recent Impact: Swift’s political influence remains strong, with her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race driving massive voter registration.
From staying silent on politics to becoming a vocal advocate, Taylor Swift’s journey reflects a major shift in her role as both an artist and activist. As her influence grows, she continues to use her music and platform to shape conversations on important societal issues.
