Whoopi Goldberg criticized Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) for being upset by Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Democrat Kamala Harris for president. Vance, the GOP vice presidential nominee, had stated that most Americans would not be influenced by a billionaire celebrity like Swift who is disconnected from the problems of average Americans. In response, Goldberg defended Swift, stating that Vance doesn’t know about Swift’s wealth or what affects her. She told Vance to “shut up” but later apologized for her choice of words.
Goldberg highlighted the impact of Swift’s endorsement, noting that the pop star’s massive following on social media has sparked a surge in visits to a voter information page after she backed the Democrat. Swift, who has around 284 million Instagram followers, has been actively encouraging her fans to register to vote. This has reportedly caused concern among Republicans, leading to reactions like Vance’s criticism of the singer’s influence on American voters.
The “View” co-host emphasized the importance of celebrities using their platform to engage with political issues and encourage civic engagement. While acknowledging that pundits telling her to shut up is not a nice thing to say, Goldberg stood by the implication that celebrities like Swift have a responsibility to speak out and advocate for causes they believe in. She noted that Swift’s endorsement has sparked a conversation and raised awareness among voters, regardless of political affiliations.
Swift’s endorsement of Harris and her continued efforts to engage with her fans and promote voter registration have drawn attention and reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Republicans, like Vance, have expressed skepticism about the influence of celebrities in politics and questioned the authenticity of their connection to average Americans. In contrast, supporters of Swift have praised her for using her platform to raise awareness and encourage civic participation among her fan base.
Goldberg’s defense of Swift and criticism of Vance’s comments reflect a broader debate about the role of celebrities in politics and the impact of their endorsements on public opinion. While some may dismiss celebrity endorsements as superficial or disconnected from reality, others argue that influential figures like Swift have a valuable platform to raise awareness and mobilize voters. The ongoing discussion surrounding Swift’s endorsement highlights the intersection of celebrity, politics, and civic engagement in the current cultural and political landscape.
