'You could be awakening a sleeping giant': Bill Maher cautions Republicans against attacking Taylor Swift citing potential election influence
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: In a recent development, Bill Maher issued a warning to Republicans, advising them against taking jabs at Taylor Swift, as he believes she could potentially secure a victory for Democrats in the forthcoming presidential election.
Maher made this bold prediction during a panel discussion on his hit show 'Real Time' (February 10 episode), with sports commentator Bob Costas and Atlantic writer Caitlin Flanagan.
Bill Maher warns GOP of Taylor Swift's potential influence on polls
Bill Maher initiated the discussion by shifting attention to the pop star, who has been grabbing headlines globally with her immensely popular 'Eras' tour, clinching four Grammy Awards this year, her romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and her upcoming appearance at Super Bowl on February 11.
Without ambiguity, Maher emphasized, "This is a significant national news story because this individual has the potential to sway the election. I'm not sure what that says about our country, but my advice to the ‘MAGA’ supporters would be, 'Exercise caution when criticizing her because she is someone who transcends political parties.'"
He continued by describing Taylor as a country girl from rural Pennsylvania with tremendous influence over her vast fan base.
The host also suggested that this could present genuine challenges for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his 'Make America Great Again' supporters at the ballot box.
Maher stated, “Her voters perhaps are not registered at all, and she doesn’t have to say who she’s voting for. All she has to say is get registered. They know who she’s voting for.”
Implicitly suggesting that Swift is in support of the likely Democratic candidate, President Joe Biden, Maher added, “So I think you could be awakening a sleeping giant.”
As per NPR, in 2023, Vote.org reported a surge in voter registration after Swift encouraged her hundreds of millions of Instagram followers to register to vote using the nonprofit.
Bill Maher's remarks trigger varied responses
Bill Maher's comments have sparked an array of responses from social media users, with one of the comments read, "We never learn Why make one person the centre of everything? That can also backfire in wickedly devastating way."
"The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance.” Robert Heinlein," one user said.
"She already endorsed President Biden. Named Time Magazine person of the year. We don’t know if that will translate into votes," another user said.
"Jokes aside, I hope Taylor Swift does swing the election. Seems fitting for 2024," one said.
"Here's hoping. Young people rise up!!!" another wrote.
"Do not underestimate the power of an influencer. Especially one with a multimillion. Army like swift," one person said.
"The last time she said to register to vote for the last election, 35000 new people registered. I can imagine how many millions will be of age now," another person said.
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