Taylor Swift Divides Twitter by Taking Political Stand, Calls Out Candidate That 'Terrifies' Her

Music By TooFab Staff |
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The singer has stayed out of politics so completely, no one knew if she was liberal, conservative or something else, but there is no doubt about it now.

After years of silence and growing frustration from her loyal fanbase, Taylor Swift has finally spoken up about her political views by endorsing a Senatorial candidate in her home state of Tennessee.

More specifically, Swift is patently not endorsing Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn, per a scathing Instagram post that went up late Sunday night, just after she'd wrapped her US tour. Blackburn is one of the two candidates running to fill the seat currently held by Sen. Bob Corker.

Swift savaged Blackburn's Congressional voting record, writing, "She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry."

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Swift said that Blackburn's record "appalls and terrifies" her. "These are not MY Tennessee values," she writes, throwing her endorsement behind Blackburn's opponent, Democrat Phil Bredesen. Bredesen is currently losing 50-42 in a recent poll, as detailed by The Hollywood Reporter.

Swift explained why she chose to speak up now after all these years. "In the past I've been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now."

And while she is voting Democrat next month, she explained that for her it's about which candidate agrees with her personal values and will fight for human rights.

"I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent. I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love."

She urged her fans to educate themselves about the candidates in their own states, rather than relying on party affiliations, and get registered to vote.

Bredesen tweeted his thanks for Swift's support, while the Twittersphere blew up that she'd even come out in support of or against anything politically. Blackburn has not commented.

Will this usher in a new era of a more outspoken Taylor Swift? And what of her fans, many who are shocked at her more liberal leanings, considering her roots in country music. More than one commented how odd it is to think of Kanye West supporting Trump, while Taylor leans left.

And while it seems the majority of Twitter was here for Taylor's declaration, some of her more conservative fanbase was definitely more than a little upset. But don't worry, her supporters dumped on them, too. Below are some of the more surprised and passionate reactions from her fanbase.

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Inside Taylor Swift's Reputation Tour View Photos
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