World News

Swiftly moving on from the presidential debate

Posted by: The Conversation

Date: Friday, 13 September 2024

Real damage was inflicted on Donald Trump on Wednesday evening, as the words of one of America’s most influential and popular female figures filtered across the screens of millions of young voters. Yes, Kamala Harris had a good debate, but it’s what happened a mere minutes after the mics went silent that may have a more lasting impression. That’s when Taylor Swift stepped – and spoke – up.

In a 306-word message to supporters on her Instagram account, the songstress announced that she would be voting for Harris come the November election. “ I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,” Taylor wrote.

How big a deal is that endorsement? Well, it certainly can’t hurt Harris. As Richard T. Longoria notes: “Celebrities can easily get media attention, act as campaign surrogates, expand the voter base and make campaign contributions. All these things can help a candidate win.”

Meanwhile, Mark Clague notes that popular music has long played a role in U.S. politics – and that’s a good thing. “If music gets more Americans to the polls, regardless of whom they vote for, Americans are more likely to have a result that they can trust.”

A statement from an American musician makes its way into another of the pieces we highlight today. A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. rapper Macklemore announced he was canceling an upcoming gig in Dubai over the United Arab Emirates’ role in “the ongoing genocide” in Sudan. May Darwich explains why the Gulf State and others are taking an interest in – and possibly arming – the conflict.

Matt Williams

Senior International Editor

Attendees dance as a band plays during the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris shows how big a role music is playing in the 2024 election

Mark Clague, University of Michigan

With Harris and Trump locked in a dead heat, getting their supporters to sing, scream and dance can cultivate an aura of inevitable electoral triumph.

Sudan has been at war since April 2023 when fighting erupted between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. AFP via Getty Images

Sudan is burning and foreign powers are benefiting – what’s in it for the UAE

May Darwich, University of Birmingham

The United Arab Emirates is emerging as the foreign player most invested in Sudan’s conflict.

We’re gonna need a bigger acronym. Mike Hutchings/AFP via Getty Images)

East is East, West is West − and Turkey is looking to forge its own BRICS path between the two

Jorge Heine, Boston University

NATO member Turkey’s intention to join the 9-member body that functions as an alternative to the Western-led order shows Ankara’s global ambitions.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Amanda Ahn / Alamy Stock Photo

More Indians than ever are going on holiday abroad – so where are they heading and why?

Ross Bennett-Cook, University of Westminster

Indian tourists are flocking abroad, and many destinations are recognising their potential.

 
 
 
 

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