U.S. presidents and Taylor Swift: not a comparison you see every day, but surprisingly many presidents do line up with at least one of her many eras. Each era of U.S. presidents can be connected to one of Swift’s 10 eras, some a bit more obvious than others.
GEORGE WASHINGTON: DEBUT
Swift made her debut in the music industry with her hit single, “Tim McGraw,” which was followed by her self-titled debut album.
Swift’s debut era launched what would become a lasting impression and influence over the music industry.
Right away many well-respected country artists knew Swift was immensely talented.
“She was singing ‘Tim McGraw,’ playing a guitar,” Reba McEntire said to NBC as she recounts the first time she saw Swift play live. “Tim and Faith (Hill) were sitting in the front row. She walked down the steps looking right at Tim McGraw singing, and I’m like, ‘this girl’s gonna be a huge star.’”
Swift’s iconic debut is perhaps only matched by that of the first President of the U.S. George Washington.
A debut era is about firsts; it is about trying something new and establishing your presence in an industry.
The U.S. was a brand new country, and working to prove it could not only stand on its own but also against what it didn’t believe in.
April 30, 1789: Washington was sworn in as the first U.S. president. The inauguration was held in New York City, the nation’s capital at the time.
Throughout his presidency, Washington helped create important laws and protections for citizens, moved the capital to the District of Columbia, created a national bank, ratified the Bill of Rights, and so much more.
Washington helped set the foundation for what would become the United States of America.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: “Speak Now”
“I decided to call the album ‘Speak Now.’ It was a play on the ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’ moment in weddings, but for me, it symbolized a change to respond to the chatter and the commentary around my own life,” Swift said in the prologue of “Speak Now” (Taylor’s Version).
The “Speak Now” era followed themes of honesty and transitions, knowing when to speak up and how to wisely choose your words.
“Truth is generally the best vindication against slander,” Lincoln said in a letter to Edwin M. Stanton, July 1864.
Throughout his presidency, Abraham Lincoln learned when to speak and when not to speak. He knew when the right time was to speak up and when to hold back to appease voters in the South and the North during the Civil War.
Lincoln knowingly waited until the North won the Battle of Antietam to announce the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln waited for the right time so when the proclamation was declared they could prove it could be enforced, according to the National Constitution Center.
On Jan. 1, 1863, Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation, citing that all slaves in states revolting against the U.S. shall be freed. This proclamation would spark the flame for what would become the 13th Amendment, the amendment officially freeing all slaves.
Lincoln waited for the perfect time to “Speak Now.”
DONALD TRUMP: “Fearless”
The “Fearless” era was filled with unhinged moments, and who better represents an unhinged moment than former President Donald Trump?
When “Fearless” was first released in 2008, Swift was your typical 18-year-old, but she was also on national television.
One iconic moment for Swift was when she called out her ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
“When I find that person that is right for me, and is, he’ll be wonderful, and when I look at that person, I’m not even gonna be able to remember the boy who broke up with me over the phone in 25 -seconds when I was 18,” Swift said on the show.
Many unhinged moments for Trump were also highly publicized.
Even before Trump was elected president, he had many moments when he chose to comment on events he probably shouldn’t have spoken about.
Back in 2012, Trump was seemingly a big “Twilight” fan and obsessed with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart’s relationship.
“Everyone knows I am right that Robert Pattinson should dump Kristen Stewart. In a couple of years, he will thank me. Be smart, Robert,” Trump said in a series of tweets about the “Twilight” stars.
Additionally, in 2016 Trump confessed that he likes Swift’s music “about 25% less” after she urged younger people to vote Democrat in the election.
Trump really is “Fearless.”
BARACK OBAMA: “Lover”
The “Lover” era symbolized taking a step back from all the haters in the world and just loving those around you for who they are.
Former President Barack Obama arguably led an era of love and compassion.
Under Obama, same-sex marriage became legal in all 50 states. On June 26, 2015, the White House was lit up with the colors of the rainbow to celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Obama could be serious when he needed to be. He addressed the nation and gave several memorable speeches throughout his time in office, but he never shied away from a good joke.
Whether it be a skit on a late-night television show, jokes with voters or Obama’s anger translator, he was always ready for a good laugh.
Obama’s jokes throughout his public appearances were a great reminder that sometimes, really, we all just need to calm down.
JOE BIDEN: “Midnights”
“Folklore” and “Evermore” were top contenders for President Joe Biden because of his nickname “Sleepy Joe,” but that would have been an insult to some of Swift’s greater works. Instead, “Midnights” was chosen for Biden.
“Midnights” has its own softer vibe. With songs like “Maroon” and “Lavender Haze,” “Midnights” is a perfect album to fall asleep to – in a good way.
The “Midnights” era was jump-started with a TikTok series, “Midnights Mayhem with Me,” and Biden’s presidency has been a bit of mayhem.
It seems that every time President Biden is in front of a camera he will lose track of his thoughts, make an off-hand comment, run into something or fall off his bike.
Biden even confused the “Eras Tour” calling it a renaissance tour and confusing Swift with Britney Spears, on national television.
