Taylor Swift is in our nation’s capital this week to perform in front of thousands of adoring fans at Nationals Park, and no one is more excited about it than members of Congress—in particular, Republicans.
From the Senate to the House of Representatives and even down to lawmakers’ interns, the Grand Old Party couldn’t shake off its Swiftie pride. Republicans rolled out the social-media welcome wagon for the pop superstar, pledging their allegiance to Swift (and implying an anti-Katy Perry stance.)
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) tweeted a photo of him and his daughters at Swift’s first D.C. show. He even used the hashtag for her latest album, like a true patriot.
With the girls for @taylorswift13 at @Nationals Stadium. #1989 pic.twitter.com/MVl0gi7ua4
— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) July 14, 2015
But Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) beat Thune to the punch with a friendly tweet and a sweet offer for Swift late last week. Look at those happy, young faces. They just scream, “Welcome to Washington!”
And before that, interns in the office of Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) made a video of themselves lip-syncing to “Shake It Off.” Because, of course.
Whoever runs the Twitter account for the House Republican Conference also put in a strong effort, tweeting at Swift on Tuesday afternoon with a reference to one of her lyrics. Well played, @HouseGOP.
We have a Blank Space for you @taylorswift13 … Come write your name! pic.twitter.com/BrvqkNPiZF
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) July 14, 2015
But perhaps the thirstiest Swiftie on the hill is Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas), who threatened to throw down with Rep. Roby.
No, no, no … Interns @RepMarthaRoby ? @taylorswift13 I’ll personally give you a tour of the Capitol! #1989TourDC https://t.co/O3aLst7aoK
— Will Hurd (@WillHurd) July 10, 2015
He also admitted to listening to “Shake it Off” every morning.
Yep. Every morning! @taylorswift13 #Twitter4Politics https://t.co/tHyx0WIqxv
— Will Hurd (@WillHurd) July 14, 2015
And he couldn’t resist sliding into her mentions one last time.
Great time talking about #Twitter4Politics @taylorswift13 & @AnnaKendrick47 with @ChrisMurphyCT & @WRDCarty today! pic.twitter.com/HKSX3B4BJw
— Will Hurd (@WillHurd) July 14, 2015
Republicans are making a concerted effort to reach out to millennials, and declaring their allegiance to Taylor Swift is an easy way to reel them in. Perhaps it’ll be more effective than joining Snapchat.
Swift’s D.C. concerts are becoming hot-ticket items for political fundraisers, with politicians from both sides of the aisle wooing donors with great seats to her performances.
Twitter is already convinced that Swift is an elephant, not a donkey.
https://twitter.com/comolaflora/status/615200064336605184
https://twitter.com/luckycyrusx/status/619316811063009280
https://twitter.com/codyspearz/status/619906994174963713
Screengrab via IleanaRosLehtinen/YouTube
