Taylor Swift says it's her 'responsibility' to use her 'influence against' 'disgusting' political rhetoric

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Taylor Swift says she will use her ‘influence’ against disgusting political rhetoric

Singer Taylor Swift says in a new interview that it is her ‘responsibility’ to use her ‘influence’ against ‘disgusting’ [political rhetoric.

Taylor Swift broke her silence on her political beliefs last year during the midterms elections and now the pop singer is explaining why she decided to speak up.

The Grammy-winner said in a new interview that she realized she has a greater "responsibility" because of her enormous fan base and social media following.

In an essay she wrote for Elle magazine, Swift admitted she's "finding" her voice "in terms of politics."

“I took a lot of time educating myself on the political system and the branches of government that are signing off on bills that affect our day-to-day life. I saw so many issues that put our most vulnerable citizens at risk, and felt like I had to speak up to try and help make a change,” she added.

Swift called herself "informed enough to speak about [politics] now" and wants to have an open relationship with her 114 plus million Instagram followers.

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“Invoking racism and provoking fear through thinly veiled messaging is not what I want from our leaders, and I realized that it actually is my responsibility to use my influence against that disgusting rhetoric. I’m going to do more to help. We have a big race coming up next year," she wrote.

During the 2008 midterms, she posted a long message about why she was supporting former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D-TN) against then-Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) -- though her support didn't lead to a victory.

"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. I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG," she said. "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."

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In her essay, Swift also reflected on her highly publicized sexual assault trial and why people should always believe individuals who come forward.

"It’s my opinion that in cases of sexual assault, I believe the victim. Coming forward is an agonizing thing to go through. I know because my sexual assault trial was a demoralizing, awful experience. I believe victims because I know firsthand about the shame and stigma that comes with raising your hand and saying 'This happened to me.' It’s something no one would choose for themselves. We speak up because we have to, and out of fear that it could happen to someone else if we don’t," she said.