For Swifties, Jeffries' DNC Trump Takedown Was Taylor Tinged
For Swifties, Jeffries' DNC Trump Takedown Was Taylor Tinged
Top House Dem Hakeem Jeffries painted Trump as America's ex-boyfriend trying to get back together with us. Reminds me of a song...
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) aims to become Speaker Hakeem Jeffries following this November’s election. If his eight minutes as a convention speaker in Chicago were any indication, a Speaker Jeffries-led U.S. House of Representatives would be efficient, substantive, message-driven, and even fun. If we’re lucky, he’ll throw us a just-for-Swifties reference here or there.
Speaking Wednesday at the United Center, Jeffries offered a powerful contrast between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in a well-prepared performance of impeccable delivery, cadence, humor, and pacing. Seamlessly transitioning from light to dark and fun to serious, his message had broad appeal from the convention hall to living rooms around the country.
For Swifties, though, Leader Jeffries offered something more. His remarks included notable Tay-Tay treasures undiscoverable to the non-Swiftie crowd yet plain as day for all Swifties (no Ticketmaster refresh required).
From his remarks:
“Trump is like an old boyfriend who you broke up with, but he just won’t go away. He has spent the last four years spinning the block, trying to get back into a relationship with the American people. Bro, we broke up with you for a reason.
“There’s no reason for us to ever get back together. Been there, done that, we’re not going back.
The United Center erupted in laughter and applause as Jeffries pinpointed the small, sad existence of a very desperate Donald Trump.
In a joyous convention stacked with impressive speakers, Jeffries’ caricature of Trump as an ex-boyfriend with whom the American people broke up for good reason was THE messaging masterpiece of the week, with the above excerpt standing out for its utility, relatability, and memorability. Swiftie and non-Swiftie Democrats alike packed Jeffries’ poignant breakup bit in their mental suitcases, taking it back home to voters in their communities.
In the same way Donald Trump slyly signals out to his white supremacist allies, Jeffries signaled a much larger group of much kinder Americans already organizing their way to political greatness.
Here’s why Jeffries’ tack worked for that kinder group:
Swift wrote many songs about breakups. Swifties watching and sharing Leader Jeffries’ bit identified Swift’s earlier work as his clear inspiration. They’re not wrong. They can’t be wrong.
Many have experienced an ex trying to get back together with them after a breakup. They must remind the ex (and often, themselves) that they broke up for a reason. The American people broke up with Trump for a reason.
Many have experienced an ex who claims to have changed, but they know the ex has not changed and likely never will. Trump has not changed in the last four years and he never will.
Many can look back on a particular breakup and state with certainty that it was the right decision, knowing full well they are better off for it. So describes America’s breakup with Trump.
Ending a relationship often requires courage, independence, self-love, a healthy support system, and more. Swift’s example and message empower others to summon these attributes.
Many have supported friends and loved ones through breakups. Friends and loved ones often remind each other why they are better off without their ex. They do whatever is needed to offer support. Americans need similar support right now, and as their friends and loved ones we must step up.
Many who have escaped a bad relationship later go back to that same person. All 333 million Americans are now at risk of re-entering a very bad relationship at once. Yikes.
Donald Trump has no full relationships and no long-standing relationships, not even with his children or any of his wives. His only relationships are transactional, and even in those relationships he fails to keep his word. He is the last person with whom the American people should enter a four-year relationship.
Swifties instantly identified Jeffries’ echoes of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, Taylor Swift’s award-winning 2012 release. The track was monumental in Swift’s career as her first climb atop the Billboard Hot 100. She’s topped those charts with 11 additional tracks since — 12 number ones in 12 years — tying for seventh all-time on charts that launched 31 years before she was born. Nbd. Three of the six artists currently ahead of her no longer perform — at least not on this planet.)
Just as critical as what Jeffries said was what he chose not to say. He did not say “Swifties” in his remarks; doing so would have spoiled the fun and, as he proved, was wholly unnecessary. His remarks omitted any direct or indirect mention of the artist, respecting her exclusive right to speak or not speak at a time and manner of her choosing. His remarks did not patronize, plagiarize, pander, or promulgate patriarchy. He knows what he’s doing, and Swifties know when they’re seen. Subtlety served him well. Without magic, time travel, holograms, a body double, or mind control, Jeffries gave two speeches at once using a single set of remarks. I’ve never seen anything like it.
TOMORROW AT 7PM ET: SWIFTIES FOR KAMALA KICKOFF CALL!
Are you a Swiftie for Kamala? Post our article to spread the word. Send this link to Swifties far and wide. RSVP for the call here. We’ll be on!
THANK YOU! The DNC provided access, work space, and resources in Chicago to support content creators like me. Leader Jeffries was among the prominent Democrats to visit the many content creators and take a few questions.
P.S. Do you ever listen to Trump speak and think to yourself something along the lines of: “I just, I mean, this is exhausting, you know?”
You are not alone, my Swiftie friend, but here’s the deal: There are only 7-0 days until Election Day and I know we can do this. Sleep when we’re dead, as our next vice president Tim Walz likes to say. He’s a Swiftie, too.
