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In this PodSights episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Taylor Swift and explore just how popular she really is. Taylor Swift is not just a musician; she is a cultural phenomenon. Her career has been filled with chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and a fan base that is incredibly dedicated. But what does her popularity look like today, especially after her recent political endorsement?
In September 2024, Taylor Swift made headlines by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election. This bold move stirred up a lot of media attention and divided public opinion. Among Republicans, Swift's popularity took a hit. A recent poll from NBC News revealed that 47 percent of Republicans now view her unfavorably. That is a significant jump from just 26 percent in November 2023. Only 12 percent of Republicans currently have a positive impression of her, down from 28 percent the previous year.
On the flip side, the endorsement resonated well with Democrats. The same NBC News poll showed that 58 percent of Democrats now express positive feelings toward Swift, a slight increase from 53 percent last year. This stark contrast highlights how political views can influence perceptions of celebrities.
Despite claims from some critics that Swift has lost support, the numbers tell a different story. As of October 3, 2024, she gained over 1.8 million new followers on Spotify, bringing her total to an impressive 122.56 million. While her monthly listener count dipped by about 3 percent, this decline is typical after a record release peak. Additionally, her social media presence has also grown. Swift gained 260,000 new followers on Instagram and saw a 0.7 percent increase on YouTube following her endorsement.
When we look at her music, Taylor Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department," has held steady at number five on the Billboard 200 chart. Other albums like "Lover," "Folklore," and "Midnights" have seen slight dips but remain in the top 30. Interestingly, her album "1989 (Taylor's Version)" climbed two spots to number 32, while "(Taylor Version)" jumped eight positions from 82nd to 74th.
Overall, a recent poll from The New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena College shows that 44 percent of likely voters across the nation have a favorable opinion of Taylor Swift. In contrast, 34 percent view her unfavorably. Among Democrats, an impressive 70 percent have a positive view of her, while only 23 percent of Republicans feel the same.
For some context, a recent NBC survey found that 51 percent of respondents view capitalism positively, compared to just 25 percent who view it negatively. This approval rating is significantly higher than that of prominent politicians. Taylor Swift, with her recent endorsement of Kamala Harris, holds a +6 approval rating, with 33 percent of respondents having positive feelings toward her.
In conclusion, Taylor Swift remains a powerful and influential figure in the entertainment industry. While her political endorsement has polarized opinions, her overall popularity continues to thrive. With a growing number of followers on Spotify and a solid presence on the Billboard charts, her ability to connect with fans and engage in public discourse is a testament to her enduring appeal.
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