by Kimberly Nario
Okay okay okay. WAIT. Just hear me out. Before you jump in the comments, know that I have several friendship bracelets, I have seen Eras Tour four times (on screen, duh), and maybe I’ve listened to Down Bad multiple times a day for however many days it has been since April 19. Now, let’s think about some common themes from Taylor’s music: deception, broken trust, unfulfilled promises–this list goes on! If you don’t think those themes are just as prevalent when it comes to the people I mention below, then buckle up because we’re starting with…
Getaway Car
Apparently, US Senate candidate Republican Hung Cao* pledged to use the money his PAC raised to help other Republican candidates running in 2023. But oopsie-daisy, he in fact did not do that. There’s some talk about reimbursements and travel, but the bottom line is the money didn’t go to other candidates, just to this candi-don’t.
It’s no surprise I turned you in
‘Cause us traitors never win
I’m in a getaway car
I left you in a motel bar
Put the money in a bag and stole the keys
Think about the last time you ever saw me
Cao lost to incumbent Democrat US Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton in the 2022 District 10 General Election. Another reason he can hop into a getaway car and stay gone? His X profile is littered with anti-immigrant rhetoric. Eww.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
I don’t need to spend too much time on this one because he said he’s moving on from politics. But men lie, and former State Senator Joe Morrissey is no exception. Here’s to hoping he stays away from Virginia politics forever and ever.
This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
As a retired Navy pilot and nurse practitioner, Republican Congresswoman Jen Kiggans* wants you to think she’s fighting for the people of Virginia. Too bad her voting record proves otherwise. Last year, she voted in favor of a bill that would create a 22% cut to veterans’ benefits. While a state senator, she introduced an anti-trans bill aimed at transgender children. Yes, children. And she has repeatedly voted against commonsense gun violence prevention legislation. But none of this is a surprise.
Clean
I admit, this one might be a stretch, but think of all the environmental imagery in this song. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares seems to have something against clean energy. He recently joined a lawsuit to reverse the US Environmental Protection Agency’s rule that enforces part of the Clean Air Act.
Anti-Hero
I really couldn’t think of a better (or worse?) way to end this. So here we go.
It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me
At tea time everybody agrees
I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero
Okay now, tell me that’s not Donald Trump*. I’m not even the only one who thinks so!
We knew they were trouble when they walked in, which is why we work so hard to get them out of office and replace them with the Better Man (or women preferably!). Call It What You Want but we know All Too Well that voting has power, so don’t forget to vote in the Virginia primary on June 18th!
Want this unhinged playlist in your ears? Check out this Spotify Playlist. And for the Apple Music girlies like me, here you go! Fun fact: this playlist is 18 minutes long, which is how old you need to be to vote. Register here! Keep calm, and sing along!
*Denotes this person will unfortunately appear on a ballot this year.