Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, commented that “Instead of giving us his full backing, Biden is busy with humanitarian aid and fuel [to Gaza], which goes to Hamas. If Trump [were] in power, the US conduct would be completely different.” This is a view that many QJL readers agree with.
Instead of giving my response, I will quote some responses from government minsters as reported in The Jerusalem Post, which I agree with. The prime minister stated, “We greatly appreciate the support that we have received from the Biden administration since the outbreak of the war: In weaponry, at international institutions, in sending forces to the region, and more.”
National Unity Chairman Benny Gantz criticized Ben-Gvir’s comments as “…irresponsible comments in the media that harm Israel’s strategic relations, national security, and the war effort at this time.”
Shas Chairman and war cabinet member Aryeh Deri wrote, “Thank you, President of the United States Joe Biden. The people of Israel will forever remember you for standing with Israel during some of our toughest hours. You and America are kingdoms of kindness. Even among friends and allies, there are differences of opinion. You are willing and paying a personal and political price to help us, and for that, we will always be grateful. May God protect you and America.”
Now to the main portion of my column. Singer Taylor Swift is probably the most popular and influential singer since Elvis Presley. She grew up in Pennsylvania and started her career in country music after her family moved to Tennessee, the same state in which Elvis rose to fame. Her songs are considered mainstream, and she has a relatively wholesome image. Her new boyfriend, Travis Kelce, is an excellent football player for the Kansas City Chiefs. She has come to his games, sitting upstairs with his mother. After the Chiefs won the AFC Championship game, she came onto the field and gave her boyfriend a kiss. In normal times, Taylor would be the darling of America and their romance would make them America’s couple.
However, we do not live in normal times. Taylor’s mistake is that in 2020, she supported Joe Biden for president, and there is a fear among the MAGA base that she will do it again. So, they have decided to do their best to try to destroy her and her relationship.
Vivek Ramaswamy, who dropped out of the race for president and endorsed Trump, tweeted last month, “I wonder who’s going to win the Super Bowl next month. And I wonder if there’s a major presidential endorsement coming from an artificially culturally propped-up couple this fall.”
Mike Crispi, who ran for Congress in NJ, tweeted that “Everyone who thinks Taylor Swift *won’t* heroically parachute into the Stadium at the Super Bowl, straight off the jet from her Japan tour…Are absolute SHEEP. Taylor’s coming. [Neither] She, nor the NFL are passing up the money. She’s endorsing Biden. It’s rigged. You’re the pawn.”
Fox TV Host Jesse Watters claimed that “The Pentagon psy-op unit pitched NATO on turning Taylor Swift into an asset,” and implied that she is now an asset for Biden and Democrats. Other Fox personalities such as Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pierro are warning Taylor to keep out of politics.
It is not surprising that they are freaking out. A recent poll showed that 18% percent of Americans said that Taylor Swift’s endorsement would influence or significantly influence their vote. In a close election, that may make a difference.
If Trump and the MAGA movement think that it is a winning strategy to go after Taylor Swift, then go right ahead. Attack the biggest female star. I am sure that will go over well with women and young voters. I think that anyone who believes that this is a smart idea is not too swift.
Warren S. Hecht is a local attorney. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
